Captain courageous: Michael Lett.
Prolific try-scoring whiz Michael Lett was officially appointed Illawarra Cutters’ captain at the NSW Cup side’s season launch at the Steelers Club yesterday.
Lett takes over from halfback Jeremy Smith who has retired from NSW Cup and will play for Dapto in the Illawarra Coal League this year.
‘‘I had no hesitation in appointing Michael Lett as skipper this year,’’ coach Paul McGregor said.
‘‘In terms of NSW Cup he has done it all.
‘‘All the boys respect his opinion and his record speaks for itself.’’
After appearing in the NSW Cup finals in their inaugural year, a full offseason under their belts and a host of new recruits, the Cutters are brimming with confidence ahead of their season opener against premiers the Newtown Jets at WIN Stadium tomorrow.
The new look Cutters squad, undefeated in three preseason trials, is a blend of experience and youth.
McGregor has named Lett at fullback, Dragons recruits Josh Drinkwater and John Kennedy in the halves, Nathan Waters and Michael Henderson and Jack de Belin as a formidable front row combination.
‘‘We were established last year to provide a pathway to the NRL so it is very pleasing to see players like Damien Cook and Shannon Wakeman get picked up by the Dragons this year,’’ Cutters chairman Sean O’Connor said.
‘‘We also have four of last year’s Dragons National Youth Cup players in our squad hopeful of furthering their careers in the NRL by remaining within our system.’’
