Recruits Ready to Step Up

Two exciting young prospects linked with the Mackay Cutters yesterday in the build-up to the 2010 Queensland Cup.

Halfback Justin Hunt and second rower/lock Tyson Martin joined the squad ahead of a three-day boot camp at Rowallan Park this weekend after pre-season training with the Cowboys in Townsville since November.

Coach Paul Bramley sees the two, both 21, as exciting prospects who can help the STM Cutters build into a strong force in the Queensland Cup.

Hunt, originally from the Gold Coast, played Jersey Flegg with the Wests Tigers and North Sydney, last season narrowly missing out on the final of the NSW Cup when his team North Sydney Bears were eliminated in a golden point semi-final heartbreaker.

“It’s exciting, I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge,” Hunt said of his move north.

“Hopefully I can play some good footy and if there are a few injuries and the opportunity comes up, I may get a chance with the Cowboys.”

He said his stint training with the Cowboys under trainer Billy Johnstone was tough but worthwhile.

“It’s the hardest I’ve ever done but I’m fighting fit now.

“Training with the Cowboys has been good because we’ll have a few coming down to join us each week and it’s good to get to know them and their games.”

Martin moved from Cairns to Proserpine aged nine and played all his junior football for the Brahmans, leaving for Townsville at 17 to play for the Cowboys under-20s.

“I’m too old now (for under-20s) so I’ve come home,” he said.

“This is a good opportunity as all my family are here and it’s good to stay in North Queensland ... staying in the Cowboys system is even better.

“My family has always watched me play and I’m looking forward to that.”

Martin, an apprentice refrigeration mechanic, said he was excited at the move.

“I know that they are going to be a strong side, there is always going to be competition for spots. I’ve got to put my best foot forward and do the best I can.”

Cutters operations manager Jamie McDonald said this weekend’s boot camp would involve the full squad, with the exception of a couple away on work commitments.

“It will mark the first time that we will have our full squad together.

“The camp will be a mixture of football training plus team-building activities to get players out of their comfort zone and see how they work together under pressure.

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