The QCCS Mackay Cutters are pleased to announce a number of key signings for the 2017 season.
These are headlined by Lona Kaifoto who comes to the Cutters from the Townsville Blackhawks and Nicho Hynes who has been with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Under 20 side.
Hynes featured in Manly’s Under 20 grand final squad in 2015 and also comes highly recommended by former Mackay Cutters coach Anthony Seibold – who served as assistant coach at Manly this past season and with the Queensland Maroons.
Kaifoto has played previously with the Whitsunday Brahmans and represented the NQ Marlins and Queensland Rangers in 2015.
“I’ve coached Lona in the past and know what he brings,” Cutters coach Steve Sheppard said.
“Lona is an extremely tough footballer who possesses exceptional leadership skills.
“It’s attributes like this that I believe are essential to the success of the Mackay Cutters and we are extremely lucky to have him on board.”
Another exciting face to join the NQ side for the 2017 season is NQ Cowboys NYC representative player Cooper Bambling.
The talented half represented Queensland in this year’s Under 20 representative match against NSW.
Mackay Cutters 2017 Gains and Losses
Gains
Jack Joass (Souths Logan), Setaimata Sa (Widnes Vikings), Nicho Hynes (Manly Sea Eagles Under 20), Cooper Bambling (NQ Cowboys Under 20), Jake Eden (Souths Logan), Lona Kaifoto (Townsville Blackhawks), Yamba Bowie (Cairns Brothers), Nathan Saumalu (Canterbury Bulls NZ), Semisi Tyrell (NZ Warriors), Tim Bennett (Whitsunday Brahmans), Nikko Roberts (Mackay Magpies), Nick Brown (NQ Cowboys Under 20), Gareth Moore (Mackay Magpies)
Losses
Jack Creith (Easts Tigers), Michael Pearsall (Brisbane Norths), Andrew Gay (Wales), Regan Verney (Ivanhoes Cairns), Steve Rapira (local league), Joss Boyton (local league), Ryan Kinlyside (local league), Liam Taylor (released), Delayne Ashby (released), John Papalii (released), Tone Susuga (released), Tyson Martin (injured), Nicolas Mataia (injured), Kelvin Nielson (injured)
Where they finished in 2016: 14th
2017 coach: Steve Sheppard (replacing Jim Wilson)
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QRL Media are featuring the gains and losses for the 2017 season for each of the Intrust Super Cup clubs in coming weeks. Stay tuned to QRL.com.au to see all the player movement!
