Byron Bay celebrates 30-year milestone to kick-start NRRRL season

BYRON Bay Red Devils will celebrate a major piece of club history when they host Marist Brothers in the first round of the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition at Red Devil Park.

The clash will double as a 30-year reunion for the Red Devils’ 1996 premiership-winning side, adding extra significance to the season opener on Sunday, 12 April.

It also signals the start of a new chapter for Byron Bay, with former player Brad Lees stepping into the full-time coaching role.

Lees takes charge following his time as assistant coach of the club’s under-18s in 2024 and a stint as interim first-grade coach late last season.

He also brings experience having played fullback in the Queensland and NSW Cup competitions.

“We’re looking forward to the hard work and taking the steps to success to get the club back on track,” Lees said.

Byron Bay face a tough assignment first up against the defending premiers, who boast a largely unchanged line-up after breaking a 22-year premiership drought last season.

The Red Devils have been active in the off-season, combining new recruits with a focus on developing emerging talent from their junior ranks.

Elsewhere, Tweed Coast Raiders will host the Murwillumbah Mustangs in a match shaping as one of the round’s highlights at Les Burger Field, Cabarita.

The Raiders have undergone a strong recruitment drive and will field their most competitive roster since their 2018 premiership win.

Among the key inclusions is former NRL player Cameron Cullen and key forward Cale Rowston.

Club vice-president Owen Fredericks said there was a strong sense of optimism heading into the season.

“Everyone wants to play in a winning team, and the club has done all it can to build a competitive side,” Fredericks said.

“There is a lot of excitement around the club, and it will be up to the 17 players on the field to take it from here.”

In other round one fixtures, Ballina Seagulls host Northern United, Cudgen Hornets take on the Mullumbimby Giants, and Tweed Heads Seagulls face Bilambil Jets.