Four Mackay Cutters players undertaking train and trial with North Queensland

Four Mackay Cutters players are undertaking a rare opportunity with the Cowboys in Townsville. Discover who they and why they were selected.

Many dream of the chance to train with an NRL squad but for four Mackay Cutters players, that dream has just become reality.

Sean Mullany, Hiale Roycroft, Rayden Burns, and Josh Smith were all selected by the Cutters to take part in a train and trial with the Cowboys, meaning the quartet are being put through their paces in Townsville, and rubbing shoulders with some of the NRL’s finest in the process.

The opportunity comes off the back of last week’s announcement that the partnership between the Cowboys and Cutters had been reinvigorated heading into 2024.

“It’s just four guys who deserve that opportunity, and we’re positive they’ll make the most of that,” said Cutters Head of Football Kim Williams.

“They’ve all been putting in the hard work before they got there.

Rory Bella and Hiale Roycroft at the Mackay Cutters vs. Central Queensland Capras first trial match at BB Print Stadium Mackay. Saturday February 11 2023 Picture: Michaela Harlow

“They’re representing the club as well as themselves, so really excited with that, and they will come back here is better players, that’s the minimum benefit we get from that.

“I hope it leads for something more for them individually.”

Previously, the Cutters, like many clubs, used the train and trial period as a “recruitment tool” to sweeten the deal for potential signings.

Sean Mullany in action for the Cutters. Picture: Michaela Harlow

But this year’s crop are all established Cutters players, as the club looks to promote from within.

There may not have been any need to recruit with the train and trial period either, given the Cutters have already secured three major signings from England’s Super League to bolster their 2024 aspirations.

“We’ve got two of our leaders up in Hiale Roycroft and Sean Mullany and that’s a reward for their leadership and what they bring to the club,” Williams said.

Mackay Cutters players Rayden Burns and Joshua Smith.

“Then two of our most exciting young prospects in Ray Burns and Josh Smith, which is a reward for their performances last year. They’re both ambitious and hopefully on a pathway to the NRL and we’re trying to help them get their foot in the door.

“For Sean and Hiale that dream is still alive as well.

As for what he’d heard about the sessions so far?

“I think in the last couple of days there have been a couple of tough sessions, in particular they did a 90-minute wrestler contact session.

“But they’re the sort of guys that thrive on that.”