The Illawarra Cutters' 2017 preparations have hit a snag following their 38-20 loss to the Wyong Roos on Saturday night at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
Played over 25-minute thirds, it looked good early once Tristan Sailor helped the Cutters to an early lead when he put Izaac Thompson over in the corner in the sixth minute.
Wyong hit back five minutes later when they scored off a simple play from hooker Alex Langbridge.
The Cutters regained the lead in the 16th minute when Addison Demeterou crossed in the corner to make it an 8-6 lead.
Two tries just before the end of the first-third saw Wyong regain the lead and head into the break 18-8 up.
Two tries either side of the second-third from winger Rob Basueru were counteracted by two Wyong tries in between, leaving the score the Roos' way 26-20 by the second break.
Another two tries from the Roos in the final-third put the result in no doubt, but there was some relief for the Cutters when Sailor scored four minutes from full-time.
Wyong Roos 38 defeated Illawarra Cutters 20 (Rob Basueru 2, Izaac Thompson, Addison Demeterou, Tristan Sailor tries; Addison Demeterou 2 goals) at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
