Mackay Cutters sign John

By PARKER TAMBUA
ONE-time Papua New Guinea Kumuls Zev John says he is aiming to win a National Rugby League (NRL) contract and regain his spot in the national side after joining the Mackay Cutters for next season in the Intrust Super Cup (ISC).
The 21-year-old made his Intrust Super Cup debut with the Redcliffe Dolphins and played three games last season after being signed by the club for on a one-year deal.
The forward told The National from Melbourne, Australia, that Mackay Cutters chief executive Maurie Fatnowna had offered him a one-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys’ feeder club.
“Maurie asked me if I was interested to join the club and I took the opportunity,” John said.
“The Cutters are feeder club to the North Queensland Cowboys and they have a good system.
“My aim is to play consistent footy with them next year and hopefully, secure an NRL contract.
“I’m also aiming to reclaim my Kumuls spot leading up to the 2021 World Cup in England.” John, a product of the Melbourne Storm development squad, played one test for the Kumuls in June when they took on Samoa in their Oceania Cup opener in Sydney, Australia, in June. They lost 6-24.
The Western Highlander, who weighs 93kg and is 1.78m tall, said his stint with the Dolphins was a learning curve for him as he got to train and play with some players who had NRL experience.
“Playing with the Redcliffe Dolphins was a good first-time experience for me in the ISC,” John said.
“One of the positives was being around some of the more experienced ISC players and NRL players.
“That experience really had a positive impact on me and certainly has motivated me to work harder to accomplish my goals.”
John will travel from Melbourne to Mackay in Queensland on Jan 6 to start preseason training.