Gains and Losses for 2019: Mackay Cutters

The Mackay Cutters, after finishing last in 2018, have vowed to be back “bigger, better and stronger in 2019” despite losing a good portion of their forward pack and rising star of the game Nicho Hynes.

The Cutters will be looking to their new faces to fill the void left by star player Jordan Grant, who will play for Redcliffe Dolphins this year and has gained valuable experience with the Brisbane Broncos via a train and trial opportunity.

Hoping to fill his shoes and excel is experienced Welsh international Lloyd White, who can play in the halves or at hooker, and has more than 180 Super League games for the Widnes Vikings under his belt; and fellow Vikings prop Alex Gerrard.

Cutters have also signed gun players Paul Byrnes, Ross Bella, Dave Munro and Jordan Kenworthy from Townsville Blackhawks. Bella debuted for the Cutters when he was 18 and is a key addition to their pack.

The full list of gains and losses is below.

GAINS: Paul Byrnes, Ross Bella, Dave Munro, Jordan Kenworthy (Townsville Blackhawks), Marcus Jensen (Townsville Brothers), Otto Wrakonei (Easts Rugby Canberra), Jarrod Brakenhofer (Cootamundra Bulldogs), Tyler Gardiner (Mackay Magpies), Alex Gerrard, Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings), Sala Falelua-Malio (Mt Albert Lions)

LOSSES: Aaron Booth, Bennett Leslie (Easts Tigers), Nicho Hynes, Nathan Saumalu (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Nick Brown, Jordan Grant (Redcliffe Dolphins), Jack Joass (Souths Magpies), Darcy Cox, Jesse Dee, Jared Maguire (MDRL), Tom Murphy, Lona Kaifoto, Johnny Faletagoa’I, Bailey Hartwig, Leoanti Fetuani (Released)

Where they finished in 2018: 14th

2019 coach: Stephen Sheppard