The Devils celebrated their historic first win last weekend, scrambling for the words to the team victory song after a comprehensive 32-16 triumph over the CQ Capras at Bishop Park.
Captain Jada Ferguson shone in her switch to the No.9 jersey in the absence of Therese Aiton, scoring one of the Devils’ six tries in a much-deserved win.
Ali Brigginshaw featured in the halves while her Jillaroos teammate Shenae Ciesiolka again scored a try while her winger Taylor-Adeline Mapusua grabbed a double.
In the days that followed, Devils’ players Hayley Maddick, Hannah Larsson and Lauren Dam signed contracts with the Brisbane Broncos for the upcoming NRLW season.
And now the Devils head to north Queensland for the first time this season to face a Cutters team described as a “powerhouse” by its local media.
The Cutters are also a new team this season, replacing the North Queensland Gold Stars team that won last year’s premiership.
The Cutters boast six NRLW players in a group that has won four of its five matches, including a 24-16 win over the Capras two weeks ago.
“They will be tough to beat at their ground but we know our team is really looking forward to testing themselves on this trip,” Norths coach Zac Wallwork said.
“It was really pleasing for them to get that win last weekend and they were happy just to be at home again. That gave them a real lift.”
The Devils had played three consecutive away games – each with their own near-misses for the new team – before getting back to their home sheds for the win over the Capras.
They took only six minutes to open the scoring when Ferguson’s switch of play from dummy half found Ciesiolka’s quick hands for a charging Mapusua.
The Devils scored again three minutes later when Brigginshaw’s midfield bomb bounced for PNG international centre Belinda Gwasamun who beat three defenders in a determined 15-metre run to the line.
Gwasamun and her PNG teammates Martha Molowia and Bertshiba Awoi – all in Australia via a scholarship founded by Aiton – brought a special element to the Devils’ win.
