The Illawarra Cutters commence their 2015 NSW Cup campaign against the Mount Pritchard Mounties at Aubrey Keech Reserve on Saturday.
This game serves as an important foundation for the Cutters who are looking to go one game better this season after falling a win short of the Grand Final last year.
Head Coach Scott Logan has named a blend of experience and youth for the encounter with the line-up featuring a contingent of St George Illawarra Dragons players including Kris Keating, Nathan Green, Charly Runciman, and Peter Mata’utia.
This will be complimented by present Dragons National Youth Competition duo Drew Hutchison and Euan Aitken as well as new face Andrew McCarthy,
“The physicality of NSW Cup will be the real test for the guys coming through the system and how their young bodies will handle a full season against men,” said Logan.
“You have got to be composed and compete at a high level.
“I am of the opinion that if you control the ball and play the percentages right then you’re a good chance to win the game.
“I want the Cutters to be known for staying in the game, being gritty, and being competitive.”
While Cutters have named a strong team they do not face an easy task in Mount Pritchard who have named a side brimming with talent including former Cutters halves pairing Sam Duggan and Sam Williams.
With both teams fielding the most combined experience this round the game will be up for grabs.
As the Cutters will look to re-establish their vaunted defense that brought them so much success last year, they hope to now have the offence to take them to the next level.
