QRL statement: Mackay Cutters

Queensland Rugby League can confirm the Hostplus Cup game between the PNG Hunters and Mackay Cutters in Port Moresby will now proceed as scheduled.

Following public support from the Australian Government, and after further consideration of the information provided by the QRL today, the Cutters have reconsidered their position and will travel to PNG to play the final round match.

QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his support.

“The Hunters have made many sacrifices during the relocation period, so it’s a great outcome to see them back playing in front of their home fans, families and sponsors for the first time since 2019,” Sawyer said.

Earlier:

Queensland Rugby League has issued the Mackay Cutters with a notice of intention to terminate their Participation Agreement after the club advised it would not provide a team to play in the final round of the Hostplus Cup season.

The Cutters were this weekend drawn to play the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby after the QRL Board approved the Hunters’ request to return home and play their first match in Papua New Guinea since 2019.

The QRL Board completed an extensive independent risk assessment prior to giving approval for the game to proceed.    

The QRL said today the Cutters’ decision to not travel to Port Moresby was considered a breach of the Participation Agreement.

If the Cutters are unable to remedy the breach of the Participation Agreement, they will be suspended from all QRL statewide competitions as their current Participation Agreement will be terminated.

The Cutters have been requested to respond to the allegation and will be required to show cause as to why the club should continue their involvement in QRL statewide competitions in 2023.