Setaimata Sa has set himself the task of playing in the Intrust Super Cup for the QCCS Mackay Cutters after signing a three-year contract with the club.
The Cutters have inked a deal with the international football star as they continue to add to the team’s power plays out wide.
The 29-year-old has a wealth of high level experience having played fiveinternationals for New Zealand, 66 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters and more than 130 English Super League games with the Catalans Dragons, Hull FC and this season with the Widnes Vikings.
The Samoa-born international will move from England to Mackay with his wife Clair and their two young children.
Setaimata will begin the 2017 Cup season with the Cutters where he has been earmarked for a key role by new coach Steve Sheppard.
“It’s a fantastic boost for our club to sign someone with the experience and quality that Sa brings. The highly skilled centre is a proven performer at the highest levels,” Sheppard said.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll make an immediate impact on our young squad both on and off the field.
“We’re sure that he will prove to be a key signing for the club for the next three seasons.”
At 29, Sa said he still has plenty to offer the Cutters and is very much looking forward to making the warmer climate of Mackay home for his family.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to return to Australia and introduce my family to Mackay. I can’t wait to get into the pre-season with my new team-mates,” he said.
Cutters CEO Troy Rovelli was pleased to have the opportunity to work with Sa again after previously having a close working relationship while at the Roosters together.
However, Rovelli said it is imperative that Sa gained employment as an electrical apprentice in Mackay to secure the deal and was calling on local businesses to get in contact if they could help.
“Sa’s signing includes employment as an electrical apprentice,” Rovelli said.
“(Unfortunately, a deal has fallen through with the company who had agreed to employ Sa and we’re calling on local businesses that may be able to offer him an apprenticeship next year to give us a call.”
Sa will arrive in January 2017 to begin his pre-season.
Local companies that can offer employment to him or other Mackay Cutters players are encouraged to contact Cutters CEO Troy Rovelli on 0406 381 391.
