Local derbies highlight return of rugby league season

A NEW halves combination and emerging junior talent will boost the Cudgen Hornets in Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League this season.

Cudgen will host the Murwillumbah Mustangs at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff, with a string of rivalry games to highlight the first round of the competition on April 5-6.

The Hornets have recruited Northern Rivers Titans representative five-eighth Elliott Speed into the halves.

His arrival will free up front-rower Caleb Ziebell to return to the forward pack after steering the team around the park last season.

Centre Malachi Dumas comes across from Tweed Seagulls along with the return of fullback Jordan Kempnich and junior utility Callum Pritchard stepping up from under-18s.

Coach Wayne Forbes is back for a second year and plans to blood more juniors to build on the clubs 2023 premiership success.

The Hornets rebuilt with a stack of juniors last season and still managed to reach the preliminary final.

“I think we had about 10 local juniors come into first grade at some point last season,” Forbes said.

“Not many other clubs are able to do that and its the direction we want to keep going.

“Connor Ziebell is back from doing FIFO work and any side with him and Caleb in it will be competitive.”

Murwillumbah has signed a new coach in Arwin Marcus, he won a grand final with Bilambil in 2022.

The Mustangs also boast former NRL player Bodene Thompson in the front row, while Kade Hill will lead the way in the halves.

In other first round games, Northern United hosts Marist Brothers in the Lismore derby at Crozier Field.

New Brothers coach Darryl Butcher has recruited new fullback Noah King who returns after playing in the junior grades with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Bilambil Jets and Tweed Coast Raiders will lock horns at the Bilambil East Sports Field.

Lock Hayden Hansen is now captain-coach at the Jets while the Raiders have recruited big name winger Abele Atunaisa.

New team the Tweed Head Seagulls host a Mullumbimby side who welcomes home former NRL and English Super League halfback Jacob Miller at Piggabeen Sports Complex.

Defending premiers Ballina travel to take on the Casino Cougars, with Byron Bay at home against the Evans Head Bombers.

Elsewhere, Kyogle takes on Lower Clarence at New Park, Kyogle.

All games kick-off on Sunday at 2.45pm, start times can change and are updated on the NRRRL Facebook page.