Mackay Cutters Hostplus Cup coach Adam Cuthbertson speaks ahead of fixture against Townsville

While they may have had an interrupted start to their season, Mackay Cutters won’t be pulling any punches in their first match of the season against Townsville.

Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks Saturday 22 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow

It’s been an interrupted start to the Hostplus Cup season for 2025, but Mackay coach Adam Cuthbertson believes his charges are ready for this weekend’s “grudge match” against one of their biggest rivals.

The Mackay Cutters will travel to Townsville this week to take on the Blackhawks in their opening fixture for 2025 after ex-cyclone Alfred halted Round 1 of the senior Queensland Rugby League season last weekend.

“(Townsville) is a tough place to travel to for a game of football. I wouldn’t say it's hostile, but it is a hard place to go in to and win,” Cutters coach Cuthbertson said.

“Whenever Mackay takes on Townsville or Rockhampton, it’s always going to be a grudge match.

“I was assistant coach when we last played this team in a proper match, and it was very disappointing to walk away with a one-point loss.

“We’ve learned a lot from that, and I think what we’ve seen so far during the trial matches has been really positive.”

Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks Saturday 22 February 2025 Picture:Michaela Harlow

Cuthbertson said the team would take some positives from their convincing win over the Blackhawks in their second trial match, but was quick to point out they were expecting a far stronger Townsville side this time.

“We are under no illusions about to the fact that they’re going to come out a much different side this time around,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of experience in that side and they know how to bounce back quickly. “We’ve got to turn up ready to play and not just want to tip our toe into the contest.”

While the interrupted start might have thrown a slight spanner in the works as far as preparation, Cuthbertson said it was business as usual for his side.

“We got the boys on the track on Saturday just to ensure they stay ready. But other than them chomping at the bit for a game of footy even more now, there’s nothing much that’s changed.”

While the rescheduled game against PNG Hunters has been pencilled in for April 19 online, Cuthbertson said that date is yet to be locked in.

Originally published as Mackay Cutters Hostplus Cup coach Adam Cuthbertson speaks ahead of fixture against Townsville