Cutters ready for Tigers

AS the Cutters take to the field for their first home game of the season, a player who looms as a key component of the team is Quinton Fielder.

Cutters prop Quinton Fielder made plenty of metres off the bench last week.

AS the Mackay Cutters take to the field for their first home game of the season against Easts Tigers tonight, one player who looms as a key component of the team is prop Quinton Fielder.

The 24-year-old was among the Cutters' best in round one, making plenty of metres off the bench and scoring a try to help the team secure an 18-10 victory over last year's grand finalists the Ipswich Jets.

And, if he continues to improve his game during the season, Skills Training Mackay Cutters' coach Shane Muspratt is confident Fielder could be on well on his way to an NRL career.

“He's definitely got all the ability in the world... he's a very powerful boy,” Muspratt said.

“With front rowers, a lot of blokes don't develop until they're 23 or 24.

“Quinton is at that stage where if he wants to play NRL, I have no doubt that he will.”

But it's not just Fielder's game-day displays that have impressed coaching staff.

“This year his attitude to training and to the team has been outstanding and he has been rewarded with a starting spot,” Muspratt said.

Meanwhile, Muspratt is hoping a big crowd turns out to the Mackay JRL grounds tonight as the Cutters look to start this year's home-ground record on a positive note.

They take on a Tigers outfit that is coming off a heavy 40-14 loss against Norths last week.

But with a strong forward pack including the likes of Ben Vaeau and Isaak Ah Mau, the Tigers will be eager to put their season back on track tonight.

Late yesterday, the Cutters team was unchanged, however injuries in the Cowboys' camp mean that is subject to change.

Mackay's under 16s and 18s will also play their first home games at the Mackay JRL grounds today.

They take on the Wide Bay Bulls in the second round of the northern division of the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cups, with games kicking off at 1.30pm.

Northern Pride and Central Comets' teams also play in Mackay.

Today's program also includes a fireworks display prior to the main Queensland Cup match at 7pm.

Originally published as Cutters ready for Tigers