Mackay Cutters and CQU unite for elite sport pathways
CQUniversity and the QCCS Mackay Cutters have announced a new partnership focused on developing clear and structured pathways for both university students and emerging rugby league talent looking to build careers in elite sport.
This partnership is set to bolster the pathway from Hostplus Cup and BMD competitions to the NRL and NRLW, providing our region’s budding talents with a clear pathway to the elite level.
The Mackay Cutters are a recognised feeder club to the North Queensland Cowboys, and through this partnership, CQUniversity students will gain unique access to a professional sporting environment aligned with NRL standards, providing a valuable stepping stone into high-performance roles.
As part of Queensland Rugby League’s broader development framework, the Cutters provide students with direct exposure to the talent, technologies and performance standards that exist at the top levels of the game.
By embedding students within the club’s systems, they gain invaluable insights into the day-to-day demands of professional sport and the evidence-based practices that drive athlete performance. It’s a rare chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a high-stakes, team-based environment, learning from experts in a context that can’t be replicated in the classroom.
Mackay Cutters CEO, Dave Roberts, said the partnership is about building sustainable career pathways in our region.
“This partnership aligns with our commitment to develop pathways in elite sport – not only for players, but for the next generation of professionals working behind the scenes. We’re proud to offer an environment where students can gain meaningful, real-world experience that could take them from Mackay to the NRL,” he said.
The partnership is already delivering results, with a CQUniversity student recently commencing an internship within the Club’s strength and conditioning department, working alongside the Head of Performance to support athlete monitoring, testing and training delivery.
The hands-on experience provides insights into the daily demands of professional rugby league and has been identified as a blueprint for future placements with the Club.
CQUniversity Director of Sport Strategy, Professor Fabio Serpiello, said the collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to providing industry-aligned learning experiences for students.
“Our students in courses such as Exercise and Sports Science, Allied Health, Physiotherapy and Psychology will relish the opportunity to work with the professional team at the Mackay Cutters, and players on pathways to the NRL and NRLW,” he said.
“From grassroots events to global champions, CQUniversity has a long history of nurturing regional sport, and this kind of partnership – based on our new SPORT Strategy to grow sport from participation to high performance – is the perfect way to share our expertise and world-class research facilities with regional Queenslanders.”
The partnership also supports players within the Cutters system, providing them with access to further education and professional development opportunities through CQUniversity.
This dual focus ensures athletes are supported not only in their sporting goals, but in preparing for life off-field beyond the game.
Both organisations are committed to growing the program in the years ahead, with a shared vision of fostering talent, supporting regional development, and building strong, career-ready professionals across the sports industry.
