HOSTPLUS CUP SIDE SELECTED FOR CUTTERS CLASH & JUNIOR TEAMS NAMED
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Mendi Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne has named the same side that lost to the Capras, for round three of the Hostplus Cup but there’s already been one change, with James Tamou earning a Cowboys recall after his strong debut for Townsville last weekend. Mitch Dunn is nearing an NRL return but will line up in the black and green again, and Payne’s pleased to have him, after the lock’s impressive albeit brief debut against Central Queensland.
“Mitch was great, obviously got off us to a flyer with his soft hands setting up Sylvester for the opening try. That was his first game since he tore his ACL last year, so there were some restrictions around his minutes, but we’ll look to get more time out of him this week and he can certainly have a big influence on the contest.”
Dunn’s previous 21 Q-Cup appearances were for the Cutters. Laitia Moceidreke will also face his former side for the first time, not that the rivalry requires extra spice, according to the Payne.
“It’s a local derby, you simply have to win it, we lost the last one, at Jack Manski Oval and we’ve had to wait a long time for a shot revenge.
The Mendi Blackhawks will travel for the first time this season after beginning their campaign with back to back home outings. The visitors will head down the highway around lunch time on game day. The clash at BB Print Stadium kicks off at 6.15pm. Our junior teams will be in action against Mackay beforehand, their team lists are below.
