Fierce battle as Northern United host defending premiers in NRRRL clash

It will be the Dirawongs first home game of the season and a chance to exact revenge on Cudgen after it defeated United in the second week of finals last season.

Most of the Cudgen team has moved on since winning the premiership while United has strengthened its squad.

Former NRL halfback Tyrone Roberts played his first game at the club last week and was instrumental in a 40-24 win over Kyogle.

Roberts bagged a try-scoring double in the first half in a game where they piled on the points before Kyogle clicked into gear.

United has added strike to its backline with former NRL player James Roberts playing centre.

At the peak of his powers, Roberts played three games for NSW in the 2018 State of Origin series.

He finished a 12-year NRL career at the end of the 2022 season having played 168 games.

Elsewhere, fullback Hezekiah McKenzie looks primed for another big year.

He is captaining the side after being named NRRRL Player of the Year last season.

Experienced forwards Jirra Breckenridge and Djaan Jarrett are leaders in the pack while hooker Jamahl Roberts has played in plenty of big games.

Meanwhile, Cudgen could still be a force this season with front-rowers Caleb Ziebell and Luke Toon leading the way.

In other games, Marist Brothers will look to bounce back when it plays Mullumbimby.

Brothers were up for an arm-wrestle against grand finalists Ballina last week.

New halfback Shallin Fuller has a tremendous skill set with the ball while front-rowers Temesia Nemani and Lochie Perren hit hard in defence.

Mullumbimby were run down in a 30-all draw against Casino last week while Brothers finished fast with late tries against Ballina.

Elsewhere, Ballina, Byron Bay and Evans Head will look to start the season with back-to-back wins.

The game between Ballina and Kyogle will see fullback Oliver Regan and centre Dan Gibson lined up against their former club.

The Turkeys are hoping to improve this season under new coach Paul Jeffery and a handful of offseason recruits.

Evans Head started the season with a 22-12 win over 2022 premiers Bilambil.

Games this weekend:

Northern United v Cudgen at Crozier Field, Lismore (Sunday)

Mullumbimby v Marist Brothers at Les Donnelly Field, Mullumbimby (Sunday)

Ballina v Kyogle at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina (Sunday)

Lower Clarance v Byron at Yamba Sports Complex (Saturday)

Murwillumbah v Evans Head at Murwillubah junior colts ground (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Tweed Coast v Casino at Les Burger Field, Cabarita (Sunday)