Courtesy of the Mackay Daily Mercury
MACKAY Cutters yesterday announced a squad which is expected to make the team’s presence felt in the 2010 Queensland Cup.
After taking the wooden spoon last season, the STM Cutters have a new coach, signed a big name in former Cowboys star Josh Hannay from the English Super League, and added depth to the squad.
“I’m very happy with the squad – there’s no superstars but it’s a very good young group,” coach Paul Bramley said yesterday.
“Now we’ve got a very good coverage over all the positions and we’ve really got some depth.
“When we get some injuries, we’ve got some quality players to replace them.
“That’s the key to next season: the depth of the squad.
“Already they’ve shown a lot of improvement over the last four weeks (of pre-season training).”
Bramley said experienced players like Hannay, last season’s coach Shane Muspratt, who returns as a player, inspirational forward and captain from last season Jardine Bobongie and elusive centre Dean Tass held the keys to success.
As well, Bramley has brought with him from Souths Logan powerful forward Liam McDonald and back rower Peter Quinn, from Canberra, who he has coached previously.
“We’ve got some good experience and some really good kids.”
Mackay is hoping to add one last piece to the jigsaw with Super League rake Neil Budworth still in their sights.
The Cutters look to have depth in the halves, gaining young halfback Justin Hunt from North Sydney who, along with ex-Proserpine junior Tyson Martin, has joined the Cowboys for training.
They have also retained Craig Chapman, who impressed with games at halfback late last season, while Wests’ half Michael Meigan has joined the train-on squad.
Todd Seymour was a regular five-eighth last season and Muspratt and Hannay can play in the halves or centres.
Two former Central Comets players, ex-Mackay junior Luke Fatnowna and Todd Titmus, have joined the squad along with other Mackay players Kahn Ahwang (Brothers) and Jamie McIvor (Wests).
A notable loss from last season is the ‘Fridge’, Sarina forward Quinton Fielder who has left due to work commitments.
Others from last season’s squad who won’t be returning include Daniel Abraham, Chance Bunce, Sam Granville (released), Peter Hassall (Toowoomba), Royston Lightning (Sarina), Quentin Mitchell (Townsville), Kerrod Tody (retired).
MACKAY CUTTERS:
Gains: Josh Hannay (Celtic Crusaders), Justin Hunt (North Sydney), Liam McDonald (Souths Logan), Todd Titmus (Central Comets), Luke Fatnowna (Central Comets), Zac Dalton (Central Coast Storm), Shane Muspratt (coaching), Jamie McIvor (Wests Mackay), Kahn Ahwang (Brothers Mackay), Peter Quinn (Canberra), Tyson Martin (Cowboys NYC)
Losses: Daniel Abraham (released), Chance Bunce (released), Sam Granville (released), Quentin Fielder (work), Peter Hassall (Toowoomba), Royston Lightning (Sarina), Quentin Mitchell (Townsville), Kerrod Toby (retired).
© Mackay Cutters 2010. All rights reserved.
Website by
