Your one stop shop for everything Mackay Cutters as the juniors get set for the new season

Harvey Norman Under-17 Girls

The under-17 girls coach at the Cutters, Imogen Healy, said her charges are “making significant progress each week.”

“Many of our younger players have already made a strong impression on coaching staff and will be vying for key positions,” Healy said.

“The team has built a solid foundation in both attack and defence, and each player has fully embraced our systems.

“I think with the platform that was laid by both our U19s and Women’s teams last year (both won state premierships) it has given the girls a desire to perform in line with our sister squads.”

Players to watch

Cianna Faulkner (Lock/Front Row): A true workhorse with a strong work ethic both on and off the field. She is the player I can rely on to give me that extra hit-up or make that crucial tackle in our toughest matches.

Seepa Kosetatino-Liufau (Front Row): A solid ball carrier who is dangerous with momentum behind. Has the ability to make highlight reels for her 1 on 1 contact.

Kaitlyn Thiedeke (Halfback): Good communicator who has all the ability to direct us around the park, eager learner that is a student of the game.

Abby Callendar (Fullback): Tall, agile player that has good vision and positional awareness both of which come in handy when we are attacking and defending the try line.

Harvey Norman Under-17 Girls Cup Squad: Abby Callendar, Brianna Renehan, Cassidy Borg, Cianna Faulkner, Courtney Harris, Ella Duncan, Emily Donaldson, Georgina Whitehouse, Hannah Peterson, Jade Geiger, Jade Williams, Janesta Dau, Jayda Earl, Kaitlyn Thiedeke, Keeley Logan, Kelsi Hazeldine, Lucynda Tronc, Matilda Clark, Mikayla Pitt, Ruby Watt, Sariah Munn, Seepa Kosetatino-Liufau, Sienna Wright, Sophie Searle, Tahlia Tindall, Takiyah Sweet, Theresa-Gelia Malayta, Trinity Cowley, Trinity White, Vitea Parker, Zoe Ziegeler.

Mal Meninga Under-18 Boys

Mackay’s under-18 boys coach Andrew Battaia believes his squad is set for a strong campaign, backed up a deep squad filled with young talent.

“Our squad has had a really good preseason, our strength and conditioning coach, Tyler Pittaway, has done an outstanding job with our boys,” Battaia said.

“We have really good depth in our squad, and a really good crop of younger age players coming through who will be even better coming into the cup next season.

“Last year we were semi-finalists, and the top performing team in North Queensland and we are aiming to match, and hopefully improve on that this year.”

Players to watch

Tavita Panai: Ranked among some of the best forwards in the competition last year, and is hoping to take his play to another level this year. Battaia appointed him captain of the squad, and said he believes Panai is a “definite NRL player in the making.”

Travis Larner: One of the team’s unsung heroes from last year, a real workhorse who never stops. He was really good for the Cutters on an edge last season and has bulked up in the off season and is poised to be a force through the middle in 2025.

Jack Thorburn: Was outstanding last year in what was his first ever representative level experience. He is a damaging ball runner and his contact in defence is jarring at times.

Mackay Mal Meninga Cup Squad: Bailey Anderson, Braith Tetley, Brody Moore, Cooper Deguara, Dario Reiteri, Declan Grady, Flynn Battaia, Frank Cowley, Giovanni Kumani, Harry Considine, Harry Deguara, Hayden Bell, Hayden Cummings, Isaak Mezzen, Isaiah Wilson, Jack Townsend, Jaezel Querro, Jaffahl Skillington, Jake Hinton, Javen Ramsamy, Jett Peady, Josh Toby, JT Brice, Justis Costigan, Cooper Shears, Lachlan Greenwood, Mark Morrow, Nelson Fenlon, Niko Djukic, Noah Levitz, Reagan Bella, Reuben Saron, Ryan John, Ryan Van Zanden, Rylan Misztela, Sean Klaasen, Shaken Karehana, Stephen Sandow, Talan Cottom, Toby Woodall, Will Veitch, Zane Elletson.

Harvey Norman Under-19 Women

The Cutters’ under-19 women coach Matt Sanders said he’s excited by the mix of both new and returning players for the upcoming season.

“I have been really impressed this pre-season with the commitment level in the squad, have always had really good numbers and accountability at trainings – which in years gone past hasn’t always been there,” Sanders said.

“I have pretty lofty goals for the squad, which would involve playing finals football for sure. However our short term goal is to win our first two games which are both at home – setting us up well for the run home.”

Players to watch

Selina Cowley (forward): In 2024, Cowley finished the year with under-19s after a strong campaign with 17s. She was instrumental in the run towards the grand final. She is a dynamic forward with great footwork and a really crafty offload.

Jennifer Kimber (fullback): Arguably has been our best player for the last two seasons. With a positional change to Fullback this year, I am really excited to see what Kimber can do with even more involvement in her final year of junior reps.

Ella Cronin (front row): Tough country girl who really sets the standard in the forwards. Top age this year, it’s her turn to be the enforcer and leader in the pack. She definitely has the ability to do so.

Shaylee Hazledine (second row): The Cutters will be relying heavily on Hazledine’s experience and leadership this year. An underrated player who doesn’t always gets the acknowledgments she deserves. Quite often the success the Cutters have on the edges is a result of her hard work either running the ball and getting a quick play the ball or running a good line for her outsides.

Jaccoa Keyssecker (centre): Has been a standout in preseason. She is a fast, strong and dynamic centre who really takes the game head on in both attack and defence. If preseason is anything to go by – she is primed for a big year.

Mackay Harvey Norman Under-19 Cup Squad: Alice Wheeler, Anna Crossman, Anthea Campbell, Ava Wheeler, Brielle Contor, Bronte Clothier, Ebony Temple, Ella Webb, Erin Synnott, Eva Daly, Isabella Debrincat, Jaccoa Keyssecker, Jada Cahill, Jayme Clancy, Jennifer Kimber, Keeley Pitt, Kiah Apps, Liteeana-Lucy Wilson-Larry, Lucy McKendry, Maddie Simon, Montana Hodgkinson, Paige Mooney, Rorie Saron, Selina Cowley, Shamara Miller, Shaylee Hazledine, Sierra Ebert, Tailor Meredith, Tiarni Walker.

Cyril Connell Under-17 Boys

The Cutters’ under-16 boys coach Brett Watton said the team is ready to hit the ground running after a “strong” pre-season.

“The squad has really come together well. There’s a strong competitive but supportive culture, with senior players stepping up to mentor younger boys before and after training,” he said.

“Our goal is to win our first two home games, which will be crucial in a short six-game season.

“Those early wins are key to setting ourselves up to top the Northern Pool and contribute to the Cutters’ vision of being Queensland’s most successful club across statewide competitions.”

Players to watch

AJ Bollinger (Lock): A strong ball-playing forward with excellent organisational skills, he’s emerging as a real leader within the squad.

Eli Cookson (Hooker): Transitioning to the No. 9 role this year, he’ll be crucial in tightening up our middle defence and bringing attacking spark around the ruck.

Caleb O’Brien (Backrower): A tireless worker in defence with a high motor and great hands, he’ll be key in linking our edge attack.

Lawson Mifsud (Backrow/Centre): A talented bottom-age player who came through our Junior Academy and is pushing for a starting spot.

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Lucas Haack (Front Rower): A powerful middle forward also from our Junior Academy, who’s looking to make an impact as a bottom-age player in the CCC squad.

Mackay Cyril Connell Cup Squad: Adam McSherry, Aiden Marteene, AJ Bollinger, Bailey Smith, Beau Boardman, Caleb O’Brien, Calvin Ramos, Cameron Schembri, Cliff Hussey, Eli Cookson, George Gofton, Grange Womal, Jack Vella, Jaiden Johnston, Jake Peters, Jarred Giumelli, John Zeigler, Kaleb Kristic, Kamron Harris, Koby Daly, Lachlan Brown, Lawson Mifsud, Levi Deveigne, Lucas Haack, Mitchell Kennell, Norman Campbell, Oscar Bishop, Reece James, Rocky Hancock, Tate Funk, Tom Bassett, Tom Mulherin, Tom Osbourne, Tyran Attard, Will Hamblin, Wilson James, Zach Carroll.

More to come as we chat to the coaches of the Harvey Norman under-17s and Mal Meninga Cutters teams ahead of round 1 of their competitions on February 15.

Originally published as Your one stop shop for everything Mackay Cutters as the juniors get set for the new season