Comerford out for Cutters
THE Mackay Cutters should not settle for just being competitive.
That was the message from coach Anthony Seibold after his team went down 14-6 against the Northern Pride at Virgin Australia Stadium on Saturday night.
But their Intrust Super Cup campaign has taken another blow after centre Michael
Comerford was taken from the field with a knee injury with 20 minutes left in the game.
Seibold said the best-case scenario was that Comerford would miss eight weeks.
But if it's an ACL injury, he will be out for the remainder of the season.
Seibold said Comerford was a role model and the team would miss his leadership qualities as much as his performances on the field.
Comerford's setback follows injuries to fellow backs Chad Grintell and Dean Tass, plus forwards Dean Webster and Rohan Ahern, who are both out for the season.
Seibold said, though the injuries were tough, the Skills Training Mackay Cutters had made sure they had a contingency plan this season.
"There will be people ready to put up their hand next week," he said.
In Saturday's game, execution was again what let down the Mackay side, which trailed 12-6 at half-time before the rain bucketed down.
Seibold said the effort from the team was there but the plays were not coming off.
"I've never questioned the guys' commitment," he said.
"But for the last two weeks, execution has let us down at key times.
"It's not good enough for the Cutters to come close anymore."
He said the team set high standards for itself and wasn't happy with the round-two performance when a win against a quality side was on offer.
"On paper the Pride team is probably as good as any Queensland Cup side that's ever been put out on the park," Seibold said.
