Intrust Super Cup Team Announcement: Souths Logan v Mackay

Souths Logan Magpies v Mackay Cutters on Saturday at 6:00pm at Stadium Mackay

Souths Logan Coach Josh Hannay has named a strong side for the clash with the Mackay Cutters as the Magpies look to retain their place in the top eight.

The only change positionally is the elevation of Raiders NYC star Luke Bateman from the interchange bench to the starting side at lock.

The Magpies narrowly avoided an extreme embarrassment last week against the Ipswich Jets and will be looking to deliver a more complete performance this week against the Cutters.

Souths Logan led Ipswich 40-12 with just 25 minutes to go however instead of closing the game out, the Magpies took their foot off the accelerator before finally holding onto a 42-40 victory.

The Magpies are sitting in eighth position on the ladder and whilst they have the opportunity to climb further up the ladder, they also face the danger of falling out of the top eight altogether. 

Mackay are two points below Souths Logan on the ladder and sitting in 10th place. A win will see them break into the eight at the expense of the Magpies.

Fullback Jordan Rapana will no doubt be a heavily marked man by the Cutters. Rapana was in fine touch against the Jets last week registering a personal points haul of 22 through two tries and seven goals. 

The two sides have met earlier in the year in in Round 12 with the Magpies running out victors 44-22 on the back of a Rapana a double; a further indication of how closely he will be watched by the Cutters defence.

Souths Logan will need to keep an eye out for Mackay hooker Anthony Mitchell and outside backs Curtis Rona and Chris Ulugia all of whom have NRL experience. 

Souths Logan's full team line-up is: