Adam Cuthbertson has relayed his desire to see Mackay Cutters players take the next step to the NRL

Find out what goal is top of the agenda for Adam Cuthbertson as he straps in for his first full season in the top job at the Cutters.

Adam Cuthbertson has been signed on as Mackay Cutters' Queensland Rugby League head coach for the 2025 season. Picture: Mackay Cutters

While he himself admits to being “a bit old school”, Mackay Cutters’ new head coach Adam Cuthbertson is nonetheless under no illusions as to what his goal is for the group come the 2025 season.

Cuthbertson was placed at the helm of the Cutters midway through the 2024 season after they parted ways with previous coach Michael Comerford, but will now step into the role officially for the upcoming Queensland Rugby League season.

The former NRL second rower is no stranger to the top level, playing for Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, St. George Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights before an extended stint with Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League.

“I’ve been around the game for a long time now as a player and coach in different areas, assistant coach,” Cuthbertson said.

“Being the full-time head coach rather than interim is not too big a difference, it’s been good fun and a challenge taking on the responsibility.

“I’m really big on creating an environment that’s competitive but where we work not just for ourselves but for each other.”

Cuthbertson, who was with the Cutters as their Football Operations Coordinator for two seasons prior to his appointment, said his primary focus would be on the development of the next generation of elite league players coming out of Mackay.

“I’ve said it a lot but this is a pathway program, so it’s important that the players have both their goals as a team but also individual goals where they’re striving for that next level,” he said.

“It’s about achieving that balance. (The players) have the answers, it’s about them recognising it and putting it out there on the pitch.

“Really what it’s about for me is instilling confidence in the lads.”

Mackay Cutters prop Hiale Roycroft is looking forward to the 2025 Queensland Rugby League season under the tutelage of coach Adam Cuthbertson. Picture: Mackay Cutters

Cutters prop Hiale Roycroft, who is entering his fourth season with the Cutters, said while development was also front of mind, the team also wanted to get some wins on the board.

“It goes for every playing group, we want to get as many wins on the board as we can,” Roycroft said.

“It starts with our preseason, that shared goal whatever we may be working on at the time.

“We’ve got two trial games coming up in February so we’ve got a really good six-week block before that to work in.”

The 27-year-old, who played alongside Cuthbertson in the Cutters’ 2023 campaign, heaped praise on his former teammate turned head coach, saying his “coaching philosophy” is something the whole group can learn from.

“Adam comes with a lot of knowledge and experience from his time in the NRL and the Super League, we love his coaching philosophy and the way he was a leader for our playing group during that 2023 season.”

Originally published as Adam Cuthbertson has relayed his desire to see Mackay Cutters players take the next step to the NRL