Grand final spotlight: Mackay Cutters hooker Paityne Johns

Paityne Johns knows she is not the same player she was last year.

The 18-year-old Mackay Cutters hooker has come a long way in 12 months, playing a key part in her team’s push for this year’s inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19 grand final.

The Cutters will take on the Brisbane Tigers in this historic premiership decider at Totally Workwear Stadium from 3.40pm on Saturday.

For Johns, who started playing the game at age 11, it’s not only a dream come true, but a reward for hard work across the entire squad.

“It’s unreal,” Johns said.

“We’ve been in preparations since November last year. Our team’s been changing every week with a few injuries and then other girls who have trained well and been given the opportunity to play.

“I’m just really excited. To win the first one… that would be so unreal.

“This year, it’s so important to us. We don’t want to progress through and not do our best. That’s our main goal. We restate it every training to get it through.”

A Mackay Magpies junior, Johns got into the game while following in the footsteps of her older brother, who no longer plays himself due to a bulged disc in his back.

Watching from the sidelines, she could see the aggression in the game, which was something that really appealed to her.

She started playing in under 11s – running out with the boys – before progressing into girls only teams after under 12s.

She has represented her region through the Capricornia schools teams and through the North Queensland Marlins. Last year she earned selection for the Queensland Sapphires but then had to withdraw as she was too young to play.

And she represented Queensland Schoolgirls last year.

Johns has been with the Cutters in their development program since under 14s and started playing Harvey Norman Under 19 two years ago.

She says her greatest influences are her parents.

“Dad’s all into the footy so I call him before every away game and listen to what he’s got to say and take that on board every game,” she said.

“Mum’s my supporter. She’s always coming to watch me and making sure I’m mentally right.

“It’s pretty vital. Not everyone has support and it’s something that makes me play how I play.”

But one of the most crucial connections Johns has formed over the last few years is the one between her and her coaching staff.

Head coach Matt Sanders and assistant coach Jamaiah Hutchison have helped her develop into the player she is today.

And as she heads into the grand final, she knows she’s playing for the better.