BMD Premiership: Mackay Cutters blood 21 rookies in title defence

Reigning champions Mackay Cutters have unleashed 21 new players this season, with schoolgirl stars leading their premiership defence in Queensland’s top women’s footy competition.

Mackay Cutters' BMD Premiership coach Marco Peters has been impressed with his young outfit so far this season.

The Mackay Cutters have fielded an incredible 21 debutants in the first six games of the BMD Premiership season.

The reigning champions have registered two wins - against the CQ Capras and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls - to be sitting ninth on the 12-team ladder.

Coach Marco Peters has been blown away by the young guns who have made the step up to Queensland’s premier women’s competition, some of whom have not yet cracked the local A-grade ranks.

He said the alignment of the NRLW and BMD seasons meant a lot of last year’s premiership team had “moved on”, opening the door for the next generation of talent.

“We’re now a very young side in terms of both experience and age,” he said.

Mackay Cutters' women's coach Marco Peters.

“We’ve had 21 debuts this year, which is a hell of a lot in the first six rounds.

“We’re drawing a lot on our 17s and 19s teams and a lot of those players are getting some really good experience, some possibly a little bit ahead of their time, but it bodes well for us for the future.”

Brilliant back rower Ebony Temple is among a strong cohort of schoolgirls making an impression, her on-field efforts shining as bright as her trademark orange headgear.

Back rower Ebony Temple is turning plenty of heads in her debut season in the BMD Premiership.

She blasted onto the BMD scene in style, earning the Cutters’ Player of the Match in her Round 2 debut against the ladder-leading Brisbane Tigers.

The workhorse forward has now played four games for the club, in and around her starring role for St Patrick’s College at the recent Confraternity Carnival where she was named in the Queensland honorary team.

Peters said it was amazing to watch the young brigade embrace their opportunities, unfazed by far more seasoned opposition.

“There’s probably only one game out of six where we weren’t right in it,” he said.

Mackay Cutters' centre Jaccoa Keyssecker goes in for a try.

“We’ve got a good, talented squad. It’s just about how we develop that game experience because you can’t buy that, you’ve got to live it.

“It’s incredible to watch schoolgirls like Ebony Temple having unbelievable debuts for us.

“While we haven’t had the number of wins we’d love to have had, the level these girls are playing at is really exciting.”

Peters is confident that with five games left in the regular season, the Cutters can still make a run for the finals.

“We’ve got some tough games ahead but if we can get a couple of wins in a row, we can get some momentum and still secure a finals berth,” he said.

Cutters’ super seven

Emily Bella (lock)

Emily Bella.

A two-time BMD premiership winner, she is a natural footballer who has found her place at 13. She won her first title in Year 12 with the North Queensland Gold Stars in 2022 before adding her second with the Cutters last year. At just 21, she is one of the senior players in the Cutters’ squad. Tough as nails with an envious skill set.

Ebony Temple (back row)

Ebony Temple.

A true competitor, she gives 100 percent from the kick-off to the final hooter. Despite giving away plenty of size, she never shies away from the hard work. Runs hard and tackles even harder. The St Patrick’s College student earned selection in the Queensland Schoolgirls Merit Team at the 2025 Confraternity Carnival.

Selina Cowley (front row)

Selina Cowley.

A tough player who has embraced one of the toughest positions on the field. The 17-year-old from Mackay State High brings plenty of energy to every aspect of her game, from her powerful runs to her defensive efforts. Her late footwork keeps rivals guessing.

Shaylee Hazledine (back row)

Shaylee Hazledine.

One of the club’s best in the Harvey Norman under-19 competition, she has not taken a backward step since moving into top grade. Getting better with every game. Very dependable and a strong runner of the ball.

Caitlin Tanner (five-eighth)

Caitlin Tanner.

A Queensland under-19 representative and North Queensland Cowboys development-contracted player. An all-round talent, she has been impressive in her appearances with the Cutters, adding plenty of attacking flair. Plays structure well but produces some great eyes-up footy.

Jaccoa Keyssecker (centre)

Jaccoa Keyssecker.

An exciting prospect who is part of the Queensland under-18 emerging squad. Speed to burn with a great running game and provides plenty in defence on the edge.

Jakaia Collett (back row)

Jakaia Collett.

A Queensland Country under-17 rep and Queensland under-18 emerging squad member who is in the North Queensland Cowboys NRLW pathway. A powerful ball runner and bruising defence, she is agile and athletic.