Trio make the cut for state series

CAIRNS’ Max Culpitt, Tui Lowah and Fitzroy Greenwool have survived the cut and made the 23-man Queensland under-17 squad for the upcoming interstate series.

They will take on Tasmania at Whitten Oval on July 3, before meeting NSW/ACT at Metricon Stadium on July 10.

Gold Coast Suns Academy coach Andrew Raines, beside Brisbane Lions Academy coach Josh Hunt, will coach the team.

The series provides another chance for players that have come through the state under 16s, as well as bottom age players that haven’t been selected to play AFL under 18 National Championships, to show their wares. Lowah and Greenwool are products of the Cape York Eagles and play with Cairns Saints while Culpitt is a Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldog. ■ WHEN are we going to see the return of Cutters key forward Paul Smith?

The big man has played only one senior game in 2017 and is battling a calf complaint.

It is an understatement to say the Cutters desperately need their most potent forward back if they are going to challenge Trinity Beach and Port Douglas come September. ■ THE word in Townsville is that Hermit Park Tigers rolled out the red carpet for one of their favourite sons last weekend. With Cairns Saints having the local bye, defender Kieran Daley returned to where it all began and had a run with the mighty Tigers. They did not really need Daley’s influence as they pumped Northern Beaches Suns by 30 goals. ■ WITH June 30 just days away, the clearance deadline is fast approaching. Port Douglas may be looking to add a former premiership player this week but time will tell. ■ THE under-14 Cairns Lions were crowned NQ Champions for 2017 after dominating Capricornia over the weekend.

The Lions kept Capricornia scoreless with Duke Beveridge, Austin Harris, Oakley Wallace, Jordan Whately and McLoffty Gaidan starring.