Cutters Ready For 2013

The Illawarra Cutters will head into 2013 with some familiar faces both on and off the field.

Fullback Michael Lett wowed the crowds with his blistering speed and elusiveness when he joined the Cutters mid-way through 2012.

He scored an incredible 17 tries to lead the Cutters and added a spark to their attack that resulted in an 8 match winning streak and a finals appearance in their first ever season.

He will be joined by centre Chris Astill, who made a name for himself in the centres and was awarded the 2012 Coach’s Award at the Cutters Presentation Evening in September.

Winger Jack Twist will also return for the Cutters after an impressive debut campaign while Jason Raper and Michael Crockett will ensure Head Coach Paul McGregor has plenty of speed out wide.

In the halves young five eighth Jared Allen showed plenty of promise at five eighth and will look to improve in 2013.

The Cutters added James Grehan to their squad towards the back end of 2012 and he proved a handy acquisition, scoring tries in his first three matches for the club.

Joshua Toole will also look to build on 2012 and push for a spot in McGregor’s starting line-up after spending much of the season coming off the bench.

Up front Jarrad Hickey is a big prop with some deft ball skills, and a player McGregor said he was keen to work with during the pre-season period.

Hickey’s experience at NRL and UK Super League level, as well as with the Cutters in 2012, will be vital due to the number of new faces in the forward pack.

Off the field, McGregor has managed to retain the bulk of his staff and will again be assisted in the coaching/training duties by Peter Reed and Dane Dorahy.

Team Manager Barry Doherty will ensure everything is organised at training and on match days, while Nathan Pickworth returns as physiotherapist, with Brad Gallagher assisting.

Phil Driscoll will again complete his match day trainers’ role.

Crunching the numbers will be Scott Murphy and Mick Dupille who provide McGregor with all sorts of stats throughout the season.

Adam Bagnall will again maintain the Cutters social network sites and website in his role as media liaison.

Two new staff member are conditioner Steve Wallace and trainer Bluey Forster, both of whom previously worked with McGregor at Wests Illawarra in the local Illawarra Coal League.

Doctors Ben Greenhalgh and Kerry Gomes, ground announcer Gary Harlow and ground manager Paul Brockley round out the Cutters 2013 staff members.

The Cutters will continue pre- season training up until Christmas and have scheduled three trial matches in early 2013 where players will look to impress before McGregor settles on his final squad.