Swine Facipic
I don't want to sound bitchy about this but Swine Facipic, you have got to calm yourself down. This Cadetship is a privilege, not a right. Cathay don't owe you anything, nor do you owe them. I would suggest if you are set on an aviation career, get some savings together, and get the licenses you require. By doing so, you also show Cathay a keenness to be in the industry, and a better chance of making this Cadetship.
You may think that paying for this training yourself, and then re-learning everything again in Adelaide is pointless, but the biger picture is that you will have more flying hours, more experiences, and a greater chance of success. You will also be a safer pilot for it. Remember in the aviation industry, flying hours are like gold.
I would suggest you start on your backup option now, and think of getting into Cathay the same as you would buying a Lotto ticket.