There was a notable absentee from Comets training last night.

Three try hero from their trial against the Titans, Jade Williams, missing in action.

An infection on the fullback's arm requiring treatment in hospital, and therefore ruling him out of their Queensland Cup opener against Mackay.

"At this stage we're probably going to pull Jade out of the game and make sure he's right for the week after."

Guy Williams will again show his durability by filling in at the back.

"I'm just done a bit of work out there now and with the wet weather it's probably going to be tough at the back but hopefully I'll be right."

The Comets understand a round one win at home is vital to their Q-Cup assault.

A pre-season hiccup against the Cutters sure to give the boys some extra motivation.

"They beat us in the first trial this year, I know the team's a lot different...but no, the guys are really pumped up and want to get out and get off to a good start to the year."

While Williams knows that performing consistently week-in and week-out is vital if he wants to add to his five NRL games for the Brisbane Broncos.

"If the opportunity comes up I'm just keeping myself in shape and trying to play some good footy... but if I have to make the step back up to the Broncos, I'm ready to go."

The addition of Ben Hunt into the fold will add plenty of punch to the Comets attack.

He'll have a light run with the team tonight, with Coach Barnett feeling this shouldn't impact on the team's fluency.

"He's a player that I think can cope with coming straight into the side, so it's going to be...hopefully he adapts to us pretty quickly."

Kick-off is at seven.