By Blake Edwards
Illawarra Cutters captain Tyrone McCarthy is excited about leading the team against Wests Tigers in the NSW Cup Qualifying Final UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday.
The Ireland Wolfhounds international joined the St.George Illawarra Dragons prior to the start of the season and ironically made his NRL debut against the first-grade Tigers in Round 20.
McCarthy was previously part of the 2014 Queensland Cup and State Championship winning Northern Pride under the guidance of present Cutters Head Coach Jason Demetriou.
The 27-year-old has a strong belief the current Cutters squad can emulate this feat in their upcoming Finals Series campaign.
“I am really excited to be playing in the finals series its now the business end of the year, meaning a lot of hard work still needs to be done," said McCarthy.
“I know it sounds cliche and obvious, but the result is the most important thing this time of year.
“We’ve showed how strong our squad is in recent weeks and everyone in this team has each other's back.
“There is a real camaraderie within the playing group and I know we will take a lot of confidence out of finishing second in the competition and first overall in defence.
“We’ll go in well prepared for this game and I am confident whoever runs out onto the pitch on Saturday will do a great job.”