Mitch Dunn set to return to Mackay in North Queensland Cowboys trial match

A pre-season trip to Mackay will bring back good memories for Mitch Dunn, who will return to the home of the Cutters as a Cowboy.

Matthew Forrest

@mattforrest29

less than 2 min read

February 24, 2022 - 6:00AM

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It may just be a trial game, but there will be no love lost between two bitter rivals.

North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos are set to continue their rivalry, with a new chapter to be etched into the record books in Mackay.

The match will be a full-circle moment for Cowboys forward Mitch Dunn, who played his junior football for the Mackay Brothers.

“I remember playing an under-15s grand final on that field, so being able to go back and play an NRL game has got me pumped up,” he said.

Mitch Dunn during the last North Queensland Cowboys Vs Brisbane Broncos game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“Mackay do it really well, and that’s why they got the semi-finals last year, because of the atmosphere and because they fill the stands.

“I know having a Broncos and Cowboys game anywhere in North Queensland is massive, but it’ll be a full house in Mackay.”

After a disappointing 2021, where the Cowboys finished 15th on the ladder, Dunn said the side was primed for a better season.

“It’s been a bit of a different pre-season, Covid has changed a few different things and how we do it,” he said.

“But it’s always hot up here, that’s not changing, so it has been a tough one.

“I think we’re looking pretty good for the trial.”

Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles grounds the ball in the in-goal during the NRL Semi-Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Sydney Roosters at BB Print Stadium on September 17, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Matt Roberts

It will not be the NRL’s only foray into Mackay for 2022, with Sydney Roosters hosting Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, May 7.

Dunn said the regional centre deserved more NRL action.

“It’s one of the best regional grounds you can play at,” he said.

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“I feel as though the energy is a bit higher and better when you get back to regional grounds, so to be able to play here should be pretty good.”

“We had a game in Rockhampton last year and it was a packed house, the fans were really close to the field there, so that was pretty exciting for the players.”

The Cowboys will have an open training session at BB Print Stadium on Friday, before the game on Saturday.

Originally published as Mitch Dunn set to return to Mackay in North Queensland Cowboys trial match