Mackay Cutters list changes ahead of a 2023 ladder push
While fresh NRL talent is joining the ranks, the Mackay Cutters also farewell key contributors from the 2022 season. FULL LIST.
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Finishing eighth last season with an 8-win, 11 loss record, the Cutters have found former NRL talent to bolster their ladder push, while also losing some to pursue league opportunities.
It's that time of year that brings a mixed bag of emotions, as the team says goodbye to some fan favourites but also welcomes new members of the Cutters family, some returning to where they started as juniors.
The Daily Mercury can reveal some key signings, re-signings and also departures that will shape the 2023 campaign with new head coach Michael Comerford at the helm.
NEW SIGNINGS
Garrett Smith: Prop Forward
Smith is a massive get for this Cutters outfit and brings with him years of experience from the NRL.
Beginning with the Newcastle Knights, Smith then spent time at the New Zealand Warriors before now coming home to Mackay.
Smith is a local to Mackay and was a part of the club's development program as a junior.
Logen Dillon: Fullback / Centre
Dillon makes his way to the cutters after being a part of the West Tigers organisation in the NRL.
A great signing for the club, Dillon can bring with him his trademark speed and attacking playmaking to break lines into season 2023.
Josh Smith: Centre / Wing
Smith returns to the Cutters after spending the previous year with the Canberra Raiders.
Knowing the system well, Smith will slot into Michael Comerford’s line-up as he pushes to be a key contributor in 2023.
RESIGNINGS
Adam Cook: Halfback
The halfback had five try assists for the side at the back end of last season, playing an integral role in his teammates hitting the score board in 2022.
After being released by the Raiders before the start of the season last year, he adapted well to the Cutters and will look to reapply the same effort in the coming season.
Kyle Schneider: Hooker
Schneider joins Cook at the Cowboys six-week training camp ahead of a big year.
Schneider featured in all 20 games last year and was instrumental in the team's success, even trying his foot at kicking during one game.
Hiale Roycroft: Prop
A strong leader on and off the field Roycroft was a part of the club's leadership group for 2022.
Also playing every game of the year, the Prop will be sure to bring the same energy and enthusiasm to this side we have come to expect.
Brandon Finnegan: Halfback
Finnegan, 24, returns after a great year with the Cutters, where he was part of a strong leadership group as a young player.
With a boot as pure as silk, Finnegan is another integral piece to the foundations of this building side.
Ross Bella (Captain): Prop
That's right, the skipper is back.
Bella returns after a stellar 2022 campaign where he scored at will with four to his name, while also leading the team from the front time and time again.
Retaining the captain, a 26-year-old with deep knowledge of the system, is a big win for this side.
Sean Mullany (2022 player of the year): Hooker
Quite possibly the biggest resigning of them all, Sean Mullany will reapply his craft with the Cutters.
He was dominant last season and was rewarded with Player of the Year honours.
We can expect this natural leader will help his teammates rise to the challenge in 2023.
NRL PURSUIT AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Brenton Baira: Fullback
He was a standout in the clubs Under 21 side and will take his opportunity at the NRL’s latest franchise, the Redcliffe Dolphins.
His trademark speed and gameplay will hopefully see the young star feature in the inaugural season for the club.
Jayden Morgan: Prop
Morgan, 24, will take his talents down to Brisbane as he lands an opportunity with a trial and train contract with the Broncos.
The prop featured 15 times for 3 tries in 2022 an is a future NRL star to watch.
Jordan Hill: Winger
Hill will depart the club to pursue a Trial and Train contract with the West Tigers.
The 21-year-old has the world at his feet as he now pursues his dream of featuring on an NRL list.
Jack Brock: Prop
A member of the 2022 leadership group, Brock will leave Mackay to pursue fresh opportunities on the Sunshine Coast.
The 27-year-old featured 44 times for the Cutters since joining the club in 2018.
With these fresh changes the Cutters can now get into their pre-season and begin their climb back up the ladder for an exciting 2023 campaign.
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