Mackay have survived an early onslaught from the PNG Hunters to take out a 26 points to 24 win in the Hostplus Cup at home on Sunday at BB Print Stadium in Mackay.
“I think the way we won was relieving,” said coach Adam Cuthbertson. “I think it showed a good sign of character to essentially go down three tries to nil in the first 10 minutes and not have touched the ball.
“Still find a way to go win a game or get back in the game for that matter.
“At half time, I thought it showed a real good sign of where we’re at as a group, and the character built amongst this group.”
PNG scored three tries in the first ten minutes, two to Myles Banam and one Clent Lama.
“I think the three tries that come about back to back, I don’t think there was ever any alarm or bells raised,” Cuthberston said.
“I think it was just they were playing some good footy. It was at the back end of sets where it was a bounce of a ball or missed timing on a catch.
“I never thought for one second that we’re out of it. We looked very composed.
“I’m set up in the box and I get the feedback from my assistants that they’re saying everything right behind the line.
“So I was always confident that we could find our way back into the game, in which we did.”
Jed Bignll started the Cutters comeback with a try at the thirteen minute mark.
Mason Kira added a second at twenty seven minutes with Luke Pietzner adding the the Cutters thid just before half time.
The final result came down to a solitary shot at goal. Mackay kicked two conversions, Ryan Rivet and Luke Pietzner each sloting one, and Pietzner kicking a penalty goal. Trevor Solu kicked a conversion and a penalty goal for the Hunters.
Sean Mulleny scored two second half tries for Mackay, the first at forty seven minutes and the second at sixty one minutes.
Myles Banam added his third for PNG at fifty two minutes and Bruce Bawase added the last at sixty six minutes.
Mackay are now scheduled to play Burleigh at home while PNG host Souths Logan.
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