Jets fire early warning shot in NRRRL

BILAMBIL fired an early warning shot with a resounding 40-6 win over the Tweed Coast Raiders in the first round of the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season.

The Jets look set for another big season after reaching the grand final in a losing effort against Ballina last year.

The bulk of the team is back for another season with an impressive back row of Kalani Hensby and Jacob Hind with captain-coach Hayden Hansen at lock.

In other games, the Mullumbimby Giants defeated the Tweed Seagulls 22-18 at Les Donnelly Field, Mullumbimby.

It was the Seagulls’ first game back in the top grade of NRRRL for 20 years.

They stepped up after winning reserve grade last season with former NRL player Craig Field coaching.

Five-eighth Jack Murphy was one of eight new players for the Giants and scored two tries.

Elsewhere, Cudgen edged out Murwillumbah 16-12 in the match of the round at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff.

Evans Head defeated Byron Bay 32-14, while Kyogle had a narrow 24-18 win over Lower Clarence.

The rest of the competition will return to the field this weekend, after a rain-affected round of washed-out games.

Ballina and Marist Brothers lock horns at Kingsford Smith Park in what should be the match of the round.

Brothers have a new fullback in Noah King, while former NRL player Tyrone Roberts is playing halfback for Ballina.

Roberts grew up playing junior rugby league at Ballina and went on to play 158 NRL games between 2011 and 2022.

“He contacted us about wanting to come back and play one more year with us before he retired,” club president Al Perry said.

“Our halfback Hamish McClintock is heading overseas for 12 months, so it was pretty timely how it all came together.”

Reece McKenzie-O ‘Brien is the new five-eighth at Ballina, while Oliver Regan has returned from Kyogle and will play in the centres.

Winger Damon Caldwell is one to watch for Brothers along with mercurial halfback Shallin Fuller.

In the Tweed derby this weekend, the Raiders take on the Seagulls at Piggabeen Park.

All first grade games kick-off at 2.45pm on Sunday unless advertised differently on the NRRRL Facebook page.