By William Crutcher
The Devils have taken the benefits from one of their toughest workouts in recent seasons as Mackay Cutters suffocated them in last night’s opening match of the Hostplus Cup season.
The impressive Cutters prevailed 32-18 in a match that left the Devils’ faithful on the hill searching their memories for a similar game.
In a 26-minute period of the second half, the Devils held the ball for just eight tackles as the Cutters made the most of field position, Norths’ mistakes, penalties and tackle count resets.
For all of their possession and field position – the Devils didn’t touch the ball in the Cutters’ quarter in the second half – the Cutters only managed four tries after halftime including one in the dying minutes as the exhausted Norths’ defence cracked for the last time.
It was a half unlike many at Premiers’ Park in recent seasons as momentum swung after halftime. James Flack’s powerful pinballing try in the 38th minute had sent the Devils to an 18-12 halftime lead.
By fulltime, the Cutters had almost double the overall possession for the match and spent almost three times longer in the Devils’ quarter than the home team spent at the other end.
“There were certainly some strong moments in defence because we didn’t have much possession in the second half,” Devils coach Rohan Smith said.
“In the first half, we attacked well against a good team.
“We’re learning about the new season. It is going to be a squad effort this year. We have some new faces around and it was good to see them play our style of footy.”
It was a night of new trends.
Five players made their Devils debuts while the Cutters ended a nine-game losing streak against last year’s grand finalists.
The Cutters featured some new faces including three North Queensland Cowboys players while former Gold Coast Titan Sean Mullany scooted over in the third minute of the match.
Norths struck back in the 17th minute through debutant Zak Taibi finishing off Tony Tumusa’s sharp work down the shortside.
Another Norths’ debutant, halfback Brandon Finnegan, who overcame a knee problem in 2025, converted from the sideline to make it a 6-6 game.
After the Cutters scored in the 21st minute, the Devils’ 2022 combination of Connor Broadhurst and Tony Tumusa combined for a try to level the scores at 12.
Flack then finished off the half, showcasing his strength from a full NRL pre-season with the Dolphins, as he surged 18 metres and bumped through five defenders for a determined try.
The second half was a different story for the Devils as they went into the break with an 18-12 lead but they would not see much of the football.
New Devils Thomas Rafter and Jordan Blundell featured in the gallant second half defensive effort, while Cup debutant Tyreece Tait bought energy from his wing spot.
Kalolo Saitaua who debuted for the Devils in 2014 at halfback and has not been back in a Norths’ jersey since held his ground in the edge spot for Norths’ last night completing a full circle moment.
Captain Kierran Moseley entered the field in the 51st minute and showcased his usual coolness from dummy half.
Coach Smith said his side fought well in their loss but can take improvements off the long pre-season.
The Devils now head to Toowoomba to take on the Western Clydesdales on Sunday afternoon.
MACKAY CUTTERS 32 (Jimmy Ngutlik 2, Jordan Martin 2, Sean Mullany, Raydan Burns tries, Ryan Rivett 4 goals) bt NORTHS DEVILS 18 (Zak Taibi, Tony Tumusa, James Flack tries, Brandon Finnegan 3 goals) at Premiers’ Park.
Photo by Alan Drinnen
