Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League: Ultimate guide to the 2024 season
With an NRL supercoach at the helm and some extra talent in their ranks, find out why the Mullumbimby Giants are confident of a big year in 2024.
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Local footy is almost back. After a long off-season – and a round one washout – the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) competition will kick off on the weekend of April 13-14.
After a quite incredible end to 2023, which saw the Cudgen Hornets come from seemingly nowhere to take out a fairytale premiership, clubs will be out to emulate their success in the new season.
A string of former NRL players, young guns and of course plenty of familiar faces will hit the field in what shapes as one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.
Ahead of the kick-off, we’ll progressively take a look at how all 13 clubs are lining up. So far we’ve looked at the Northern United Dirawongs, Cudgen Hornets, Ballina Seagulls, Murwillumbah Mustangs, Lower Clarence Magpies, Casino Cougars, Evans Head Bombers, Marist Brothers Rams, Byron Bay Red Devils, Tweed Coast Raiders, Bilambil Jets and the Mullumbimby Giants.
MULLUMBIMBY GIANTS
Last season: 11th
Coach: Chris Anderson
Major ins: Matt Parata, Jyde Dwyer
Outlook: In a season full of big signings and massive coups, Mullumbimby have arguably managed to jag the biggest of them all, with NRL premiership-winning player and coach Chris Anderson – who also holds the rare feat of having represented Australia both on the field and in the dugout – taking over as head coach.
And while Anderson was involved with the club last year as an assistant to captain-coach Cody Nelson, he has certainly made his presence felt since stepping up into the top job.
“He just brings a wealth of experience. He doesn’t have to say much or do much, it’s more just having him around gives people an air a confidence that we’re in good hands and good stead,” said Giants’ skipper Nelson.
But the good vibes at Mullum certainly aren’t unfounded, with increased depth and plenty of new faces leading to plenty of positivity at Les Donnelly Field.
“We’ve done really well on the recruitment front, obviously thanks to Chris and the backing of the club, which has been good to see,” said Nelson.
“After a few tough years with Covid and the floods it’s sort of been one of those building phases but it feels like it’s back to being all about football now and we’ve got a really strong squad with heaps of depth.”
New the recruits are headlined by former Q Cup and UK second division player Matt Parata, who is expected to play on the edges, and forward Jyde Dwyer, who also has experience in the Q Cup with the Central Queensland Capras.
Elsewhere, playmaker Willie Hammond returns to the club after having to pull out during the 2023 season, while outside backs and local juniors Cooper Nelson and Will Picken are back full-time with the club after various school and rugby union commitments restricted their appearances in recent years.
Meanwhile in another boost for the club, Mullum have been boosted by big numbers in the under-18 age group.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids there as well, which is awesome to see,” said Nelson. “We didn’t field an under-18s team for two or three years and we scratched together one last year, but they’ve got like 30 kids training in the 18s at the moment, which is something really good to see for the future going forward.”
Players to watch: After getting a taste of first grade last year, young gun Cooper Nelson has benefited from another pre-season and looms as an exciting prospect out wide, with fullback Corey Morris another who has the potential for fireworks in the backline.
“I think he’s one of the most exciting footballers getting around in the competition,” said Nelson.
“Obviously there are a few in the forward pack but it’s hard to single anyone out, I think we’ll be one of those teams who just grinds it out. But they (Nelson and Morris) will be the ones that shine on the back of that.”
Why they will be competitive: Despite finishing 11th in last year’s campaign, Mullumbimby were highly competitive in 2023, with a couple of narrow losses and a draw ultimately seeing the team fall out of finals contention.
However with increased numbers, improved quality in the squad and Anderson’s presence on the sideline, the Giants pose a very different proposition this season.
“We’ve been competitive and we’ve had a red-hot crack for the last couple of years but it feels like we’re a proper threat now,” said Nelson. “Even if we get injuries where it’s hurt us previously, we’ve got so much depth I just don’t think it’s going to be an issue and I’m really confident going into this season.”
In particular, the skipper said that he believes the platform for the team’s strength will be built up front.
“Above and beyond, our forward pack is huge. There are a lot of good signings there and we haven’t lost anybody that we’ve had in previous years, so we’ve just added to what we’ve got and I feel we’re really strong in the middle of the field.”
BILAMBIL JETS
Last season: 2nd (eliminated in preliminary final)
Coach: Arwin Marcus
Outlook: In the end, it was the Jets who came the closest to stopping Cudgen on their incredible run to last year’s premiership, losing 17-16 to a last-second field goal in a dramatic preliminary final. It put an end to what was an excellent season for Bilambil that ultimately finished without reward; despite losing just two games in the regular season, the team finished second and then fell one game short of the decider.
It will be a slightly different-looking Jets side that fronts up 2024, with outstanding fullback Ollie Regan joining Kyogle, front-row enforcer Jack Durheim moving away for work and exciting young winger Blake Forder heading down to Sydney to take up an opportunity in the Canterbury Bulldogs’ system.
“We’ve lost some quality but we’ve also picked up some quality as well,” said Jets football manager Jeff Raftery. “We also have a number of young people who were juniors return to the club.”
Indeed, in what is a straight club swap, Chanse Perham has joined the club from Kyogle and will start the season in Regan’s number one jersey.
“His form in the last trial against South Grafton was outstanding,” said Raftery.
And while they might not come in as ‘the hunted’ this season just as they were in 2023, the Jets still have an incredibly strong squad with quality all over the park.
“Our strengths: we’ve got good halves, representative halves in Al and Harry Fitzhugh; our forward pack is extremely strong: Jacob Hind, Tom Rowles, Hayden Hansen, Kalani Hensby – it is super strong,” said Raftery.
Players to watch: In a squad where you could highlight half a dozen or more players, skipper and hooker Tom Rowles will once again be key for the Jets. The team’s general out of dummy half, Rowles is the perfect combination of tough, skilful and smart, with his direction in leading the team around the park key to the side’s success.
Also in the middle, Jacob Hind and Hayden Hansen are among the best forwards in the competition, with their combination of hard-hitting and straight-running set to make the Jets’ pack one of the hardest to control in the division.
Why they will be competitive: With an incredibly strong squad full of talent spread all over the park, Bilambil is likely to once again be one of the main contenders in 2024, with the team falling just short of defending its title last season.
Led by one of the most fearsome forward packs in the competition and with some crafty halves pulling the strings, the Jets are once again expected to be a tough team to handle both with and without the ball.
“Our intent this year is certainly top three,” said Raftery. “It won’t be set any lower than that, not with the squad that we have.”
TWEED COAST RAIDERS
Last season: 7th
Coach: Brent Kite
Outlook: It’s a case of an NRL legend and NRRRL double premiership-winning coach returning to the fold this year with former Manly, NSW and Australia forward Brent Kite taking the reins at Cabarita once again.
After taking the team to premiership victories in 2018 and 2020, Kite is back on deck for the Raiders and didn’t take long for his presence to be felt.
“It’s been outstanding having him back,” said Tweed Coast forward and vice-president Owen Fredericks. “His leadership, accountability and his knowledge around the game and how he communicates are one of a kind, so we’re really lucky and grateful to have Kitey back steering the ship.”
Kite has called on former Manly teammate Matt Ballin to help out with some intense fitness training over the course of the pre-season, with the addition of a gym at the club’s training grounds ensuring the squad is in good physical shape ahead of the season.
“We’ve not only had a brutal pre-season with Kitey and his experience over the years with fitness, running a lot of body weight stuff and wrestling, but we’re into the gym as well,” said Fredericks.
Despite playing some of the most entertaining footy in the competition last year, the Raiders narrowly missed out on the finals after an agonising loss to eventual premiers Cudgen in the final round of the season. Reflecting on the season, the club has identified one particular area they think they can improve on in 2024.
“There’s really been a focus on getting to the end of our sets, completing and a lot of our defence as well,” said Fredericks.
“Last year we lost a lot of games 34-30 or 30-28 and that’s just not good enough. You need to keep the other team down to as few points as possible. It’s been a brutal pre-season with fitness and defensive work but I really think (Kite’s) main emphasis has been on completing our sets and defending our line.”
While maintaining most of last year’s squad, Tweed Coast have been bolstered by the presence of former Origin player and local junior Michael Gordon in the squad, with the winger restricted to limited football in recent years due to injury, while front-rower Daniel Ross will be at the club full-time in 2024 after spending the last couple of seasons dual registered with the Tweed Seagulls.
Meanwhile in what almost feels like another new signing, young halfback Oliver Blood is also back after missing most of last year with injury.
“He’s had a full pre-season under his belt, two trials as well,” said Fredericks. “The more games under his belt, the better. He’s just trying to control the side and find his pathway.”
Elsewhere, the forward stocks have been bolstered by the addition of Cooper Wolf from Murwillumbah, who has made quite an impression over the pre-season.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s one of the fittest guys in our team and it helps. He and Rocket (Ross) are probably two of our fittest and they’re our two front-rowers,” said Fredericks.
Players to watch: One of the club’s most exciting players in 2023, Juwaan Terekia will be one to watch again this season. With the ability to play fullback or in the halves, Terekia was electric with the ball in hand and could well be the source for plenty of points.
Daniel Ross’ full-time inclusion will be a huge boost for the pack, while on the edges Zion Kamana will be looking to replicate his form from last year with another strong season.
Another one who has caught the eye during the pre-season has been centre Spencer Jackson, who Fredericks is tipping for a big year.
“I think he’s got a massive season ahead. He’s the guy who’s probably used the gym the most.”
Why they will be competitive: With a gruelling pre-season behind them, the Raiders have come into 2024 in really good shape, with Kite’s emphasis on defensive structures and doing the basics right set to make the side much harder to beat this year.
The emergence of some of the club’s younger players has also been a bonus for all involved as depth and competition for spots has improved.
“There’s a good little culture with all the young lads around the same age coming through and that gives the boys like Mickey Gordon and Drew Lanston, if it is his last year, confidence that they can hand it down to this young energy coming through the ranks that are going to hold our club secure for years to come,” said Fredericks.
And while the coach has already taken the club to two premierships and there is plenty of confidence around Cabarita, Fredericks insists the side don’t have any hard-and-fast expectations for the season.
“It honestly hasn’t come up. That’s one thing with Kitey, he’s very mysterious with how he works. He just speaks about what he expects from us and what he believes the best way to go about it is.
“He simplifies things a lot, which obviously helps us. We haven’t spoken about, of course in the back of your mind is a premiership but we’re taking it one week at a time.”
BYRON BAY RED DEVILS
Last season: 8th
Captain-coach: Todd Carney
Outlook: The season hasn’t even started yet but 2024 has already thrown up a curveball for the Red Devils, with captain-coach and former Dally M Medal winner Todd Carney suffering a ruptured bicep playing for the Northern Rivers Titans representative side that will keep him sidelined for the majority of the season.
And while no doubt a blow for the club, Carney says there are some silver linings to the injury.
“It probably does all happen for a reason because initially my plan was just to coach this year and help out. And part of my mindset at the start of the year was to recruit some younger players and some halves so I went and did that and it’s worked out really well because we’re not short in that position this year and I can sort of sit back and concentrate on the coaching.”
In one of the major signings, the club has picked up halfback Toby Marks. On a train and trial deal with the Tweed Seagulls, the 24-year-old previously played lower grades for the Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders, and spent last season with his junior club the Woy Woy Roosters on the Central Coast.
He’ll be joined in the halves by Jack Rogers, the son of NRL and Wallabies legend Mat Rogers. Previously signed to the Cronulla junior system, Rogers last year played for Tugun in the Gold Coast A-grade competition.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Toby and Jack go in the halves,” said Carney. “They’re both younger players who know how to get themselves around the park so I’ll just see how they perform.”
In addition to strengthening the halves, Byron has also secured the massive cup of Papua New Guinea international Sherwin Tanabi. A powerful backrower who made his only cap against Wales in 2022 and played against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII in the same year, the 22-year-old joins from the PNG Hunters in the Q Cup.
“He’s a really exciting signing for the club,” said Carney.
Aside from the new recruits, the squad has remained fairly steady heading into 2024, with Carney interested to see how some of the club’s younger players adapt to A-grade football.
“We’ve got the same sort of group as last year with some young kids stepping up and our under-18s are really good, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they step up throughout the year.”
Players to watch: There is plenty of anticipation and excitement around the new recruits, with Marks and Rogers set to change the way the team not only works its way around the park but also how it attacks.
Meanwhile with an excellent CV, Tanabi also looms as a potentially explosive player for the Red Devils on the edges.
Elsewhere, young hooker Kolbi Wood is primed for a big season after impressing in 2023 and spending much of the summer with the Melbourne Storm’s junior rep sides.
“He’ll be a big part of our success this year,” said Carney. “He’s a local junior, he obviously plays well above his weight and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes a good season of A-grade.”
Why they will be competitive: With some strong recruits in key positions and a string of talented young guns coming through the ranks, Carney is exciting by the potential of his squad heading into 2024.
“The squad we’ve got this year is probably the best we’ve had for a number of years. I’ve got a lot of younger blokes coming through, we’ve been an ageing roster for the past few years so that’s probably hurt us a bit.”
In addition to quality, the club has also seen player number rise, which is expected to be a big throughout for the Red Devils.
“This year at Byron we’ve had really good numbers – from 18s right through to A-grade – so depth won’t be an issue,” said Carney.
“From 18s to reserve grade and A-grade, they’ll all have 17 fresh players each week instead of last year where we’d have 12 blokes go and get ready and then have the next five or six coming from reserve grade.”
Round one: Evans Head (A)
MARIST BROTHERS RAMS
Last season: 9th
Coach: Matt Barber
Outlook: After a strong second half of last season saw Marist Brothers storm home to finish just outside the finals, the club has carried the good vibes over into 2024, with the Rams taking on a holistic approach to the upcoming season.
“As a club, the one thing we’ve really worked on pretty well the whole off-season, right back from October up until now and we’re still working hard on it, is to connect our club again with our juniors, seniors and old boys – and have that one-club mentality,” said first grade coach Matt Barber.
“That’s paid off. We’ve got our 18s back again, we haven’t had them for a few years and we’ve got a really good group of 18s who’ve brought a bit of a spring in the step for everybody at the club because they’re such good young men.”
The return of the Rams’ under-18s is a huge shot in the arm for the club, who have seen player numbers across the board swell on the back of some tireless work from the committee.
“The depth in our squad at the moment has been the best that it’s been for years in our senior grades,” said Barber.
And while there is the usual noise and news of player signings around the competition, Barber says the club has blocked that out and turned its attention on itself.
“That’s predominantly been our focus throughout the whole pre-season: it’s just on us. We haven’t focused on anything outside our club and our group. It’s been a focus on our fitness, our skillset, our attitude, our commitment and no white noise.”
While much of the playing roster has remained steady, the Rams have been bolstered by the return of local junior James Durheim and signing of talented half Shallin Fuller, who joins the club from Burleigh in the Gold Coast A-grade competition.
After a strong pre-season, the club will kick off its season against cross-town rivals Northern United at a newly refurbished and redeveloped Crozier Field in what is another positive in the Rams’ feel-good off-season.
“That’s a big plus for us to be back home,” said Barber. “It’s going to be massive. It’s a really impressive stadium now, it’s state of the art.”
Players to watch: With the likes of last year’s NRRRL leading tryscorer Mitchell Krause in the squad, as well as consistent performers in middle forward Lochie Perren and back-rower Henry Lee, the Rams have got plenty of talent across the board.
However in line with the Marist Brothers’ approach to the season, Barber has placed more emphasis on the team’s performance as a whole rather than any individuals.
“I’m not going to single players out. It’s purely next man up, blue and gold jumper, get the job done,” he said. “We do have quite a few individuals who can turn a game on its head but it takes 17 guys to win a game.”
He added: “So my focus is to keep them focused, keep them level headed, grounded and to focus on their roles for the team.”
Why they will be competitive: After a strong pre-season focused on developing from within, Marist Brothers officials are confident of a competitive and successful 2024.
“I’ll put it down to our fitness, skills, attitude and dedication – that’s it,” said Barber.
In particular, the return of the under-18s and the club’s increased depth across the park in all grades is expected to be a huge boost over the course of the season.
“What that does is actually build in-house competitiveness itself. Guys competing for first grade spots or starting spots in reserve grade and things like that. It’s a healthy thing to have and we see players pushing each other,” said Barber. “I won’t say we’re in a luxury position but we’re in a much better position than last season and the season before when numbers weren’t that great.”
Round one: Northern United (H)
EVANS HEAD BOMBERS
Last season: 4th (eliminated week one of finals)
Coach: Shaun Creswell
Outlook: There haven’t been too many changes in what has been a fairly stable off-season for the Bombers, who come into 2024 hopeful of once again playing semi-final football.
“We’re very similar to last year but perhaps a fraction stronger,” said football manager Nathan Williams.
Much of last year’s core returns, highlighted by former NRL player Roy Bell going around again for another season.
“He’s turning 40 this year and it’s a massive effort to do what he’s doing,” said Williams. “He’s a huge asset to the club.”
The big losses include halfback Trevor Bolt and front-rower Josh Beech, while club veteran Aaron Sells has hung up the boots after an excellent career with the club.
They have been offset by the return of young gun Michael Roberts. The then 18-year-old fullback took the NRRRL by storm in 2022 with an outstanding season that helped Evans Head make it all the way to the grand final.
He was rewarded with a contract with NRL side the Dolphins but returns to the Bombers after a season in Redcliffe.
“He’s definitely a bigger frame now, he’s put on a couple of kilos and grown a bit, so we’re hoping for big things from his this year,” Williams.
He’ll be joined by former Ballina pair Jordan Sly and Justin Bleakley, who are set to provide plenty of quality to the squad.
“They’ll be exciting in the backline, they’re pretty gifted players,” said Williams.
Meanwhile in another boost for the club, the Bombers will field junior sides for the first time in more than a decade, with the six teams set to help secure the club’s future.
“That obviously is going to help us in the under-18s in a few years’ time. We had to really push to get that going for the future of our club moving forward,” said Williams.
Players to watch: Returning after a year at the Dolphins, young fullback Michael Roberts will certainly be one to keep an eye on as the Bombers hope he can recapture his form from a couple of years ago and help the side go on another charge up the ladder.
Elsewhere in the outside backs, Evans Head will be hoping for another big season from Brandon Anderson, who was electric in 2023 as he finished with 20 tries to be second in the overall tryscoring race.
Meanwhile plenty of eyes will be on the Bombers’ forward pack, led by brothers Kyle, Aidan and Lachlan Kennedy, who were immense last season and are hoping to dominate the battle of the forwards once again.
“They’ll be massive again for us,” said Williams. “They’re in that stage of their career where they’re at their best. Kyle is 27 and the two twins are 25 so they’re hitting their straps and I think they’ll be the guys that will lead the way.”
Why they will be competitive: With a tough, aggressive forward pack, some experienced campaigners in Bell to help guide the team around and some added firepower to the outside backs, the Bombers are confident of emulating their fourth-place finish last year and once again playing finals football.
In particular, the return of Roberts and addition of Sly and Bleakley is expected to give the side added strike out wide, with the club confident of once again being there at the business end of the season.
“We’re definitely going to have to put the work in but I think our squad’s good enough and we’ve got a bit of depth this year to cover us if we get a couple of injuries,” said Williams.
Round one: Byron Bay (H)
CASINO COUGARS
Last season: 12th
Coach: Brett Loy
Outlook: Despite a difficult 2023 that saw the team win just two games, there is plenty of optimism in Casino that the upcoming campaign will be a far more successful one for the Cougars.
After a change in management that saw former Cougars Travis Falls and Chris McGrath take over as president and vice-president, respectively, Casino has appointed another former player in Brett Loy as head coach for the season as the club hopes to turn its fortunes around.
“The big thing for us is getting every grade strong again,” said Falls. “We used to be a powerhouse. We’ve got the biggest junior base from Newcastle to the border, participation-wise.
He added: “The biggest drama is keeping all the juniors because a lot of the clubs who don’t have juniors come in when they’re 16 or 18 and offering them big money, so we’re trying to stop that and make the kids want to play for us.”
The club has gone the right way about trying to keep people in the maroon and white, re-signing some of the last year’s best performers in Eddie Walker-Williams, Thomas Walker and Nick Morrissey, with the likes of brothers Isaiah and Bryce Freeburn and Harry Cusack also signing on for another season.
Building on the locals-first approach, the club has also picked up exciting outside back and local junior Tim Torrens from Northern United.
“He’s been training the house down. He’s a local junior, he’s a kid we should never have lost,” said Falls.
He’ll be joined by another from Northern United in experienced halfback Jerome Green, who’ll be tasked with guiding the side around the park.
Elsewhere, the squad has been bolstered by a trio of Papua New Guinean recruits in Aidan Arusa, Peter Dagi and Gairo Kapana, who are expected to bring plenty of skill and physicality after previously playing in PNG’s top-tier Digicel Cup.
“They’ve got plenty of ability,” said Falls. “They’ve been great for the club. They’re good people who train hard and that’s all you can ask for.”
While the new recruits have brought plenty of positivity to Queen Elizabeth Park, it was the news that legendary NRL coach and one of Casino’s most famous products Brian Smith would be joining the club in a consultancy role that got most tongues wagging over the pre-season.
Working with all coaches from under-13s through to A-grade, Smith will provide tips and advice to Casino’s mentors on all aspects of rugby league coaching over the course of the season.
“He’s just got that much knowledge of football, it’s unbelievable. For us to get him once a month or once every six weeks is gold,” said Falls.
Players to watch: One of the club’s best performers in a difficult 2023 season, back-rower Thomas Walker is set for another big year for the Cougars after gaining some representative experience with the Northern Rivers Titans in the recent country championship.
Eddie Walker-Williams is another of Casino’s key returning players. A talented fullback/half who can run, pass and kick, Walker-Williams’ creativity with the ball will be key to opening up opposition defences with the ball in hand.
As for the new players, PNG recruit Peter Dagi has been impressive over the course of the pre-season and is expected to be a handful at lock, while young gun Waylon Caldwell looms as a potentially explosive player for the Cougars.
Dual-registered with the Tweed Seagulls in Q Cup competitions, the 18-year-old half has been a livewire throughout the pre-season and is expected to play plenty of A-grade football for his hometown club.
Why they will be competitive: On the back of new management, a new coach and new recruits, the Cougars will bring a new-look team and attitude into 2024 as they look to shake off some of the difficulties of recent seasons and put in their best performance in years.
After strengthening the pack, adding some strike power to the outside backs in Torrens and signing talented halves in Green and Caldwell, the club is confident of building on the positives of last year to surge up the ladder.
“We’re hoping for a real competitive year,” said Falls. “I legitimately think we can play semi-final footy if we stay fit and healthy.”
He added: “Just for our fans, we want to be competitive. We’re not asking to be world-beaters first year (of the new management) because we’ve changed a lot with coaches and the committee but if we can get somewhere in the semi-finals I reckon it’d be a massive boost for the town.”
Round one: Ballina (A)
LOWER CLARENCE MAGPIES
Last season: 6th (eliminated week one of finals)
Coach: Luke Douglas
Outlook: It is a very different feel for the Magpies as they enter 2024, with some added expectation following the club after arguably being the most improved side in the competition last season.
After pulling out of the A-grade competition midway through 2022 due to a lack of numbers, captain-coach Luke Douglas helped to orchestrate a quite remarkable resurgence that saw the club finish in sixth place to play finals football.
And while 2023 was somewhat of a fairytale season that brought the good vibes back the Clarence, Douglas says the Magpies have faced a few challenges heading into the upcoming season.
“We’ve had a bit of turnover. A few people have gone away, our player of the year has gone to WA for work,” he said.
Lock forward Dalton Shaw, who was named player of the year in 2023, has moved west for work, while impressive hooker Lachlan Barnes has also moved away after joining the army.
Their absences have been compounded by the departure of young gun centre Tyler Essex, who is currently playing for the Sydney Roosters in the Jersey Flegg competition.
“It’s good to see someone who’s never really been in any rep teams, never been in a system, get a go,” said Douglas. “He just competes on everything and from all reports he’s been going well.”
While the side has lost some quality from last year’s team, much of the 2023 squad remains, with halfback Vincent Williams, backrower Cooper Many, five-eighth Jacob Cameron-Clarke and Douglas himself among those returning to provide some stability for the side.
“I’ve got a good core of 25 blokes I can choose the A-grade team from,” said Douglas. “Our forward pack has got some big, strong boys who know how to hit.”
The side has also been bolstered by the addition of centre/backrower Nick McGrady from the South Grafton Rebels, who Douglas expects to add some quality to the edges.
“He’s just a natural footy player,” he said.
And while Lower exceeded all expectations in 2023, the captain-coach says it has added an extra dimension to the club this season.
“I’m a bit nervous about trying to emulate last year,” he said. “I just want to put some good performances together again, be competitive and keep that form up.”
Players to watch: Fresh from representing the Northern Rivers Titans in the country championships, Cooper Many is one the Magpies will look towards to maintain their form in 2024. The backrower was immense in the previous campaign, getting through plenty of work and offering some strike power on the edges.
Elsewhere, halfback Vincent Williams looms as one of the team’s most important players. A crafty half with a good kicking and passing game, Williams’ ability to put the team in good field position and create chances in attack will go a long way to determining the team’s success.
And although he might be 37, captain-coach Luke Douglas will be as crucial as ever for the side. Not only will his size, ability and workrate in the middle be key in the battle of the forwards, but the former Cronulla and Titans prop’s leadership both on and off the park will be key for the club as a whole.
Why they will be competitive: With the core of last year’s finals team coming back, the Magpies have got an excellent base to build from as they look to emulate last year’s heroics. If the team can do as it did last season by completing sets and staying in the grind, the club is confident of once again improving on their excellent 2023.
Indeed, with a team full of locals and an experienced, hardworking forward pack, the Magpies are confident of once again being more than competitive.
“If you look at the points system, I don’t think anyone would get points. Even (McGrady) played a few seasons of juniors here. They’re all local dudes,” said Douglas.
“We’ve just got to be competitive again and try and go with teams, make it hard for them to come down the coast and play us at Yamba.”
Round one: Kyogle (H)
MURWILLUMBAH MUSTANGS
Last season: 10th
Coach: Brendon Hill
Outlook: The Mustangs will be out to make amends after a difficult 2023 in which an injury crisis decimated the club’s playing stocks and saw the first grade side fall from minor premiers the year before to finish a disappointing 10th.
After using 34 players in the top grade last season, coach Brendon Hill is hoping that far fewer will get a first grade jumper in the upcoming campaign.
One of those who missed the bulk of 2023 is gun centre Adam Walker, who will add plenty of strike power out wide after a serious injury cut short his season in round two.
Walker will almost feel like a new signing for the Colts, who welcome former Byron Bay Red Devils captain-coach Sam Saville to Murwillumbah in what is a huge coup for the club in the back-row.
“He’s been outstanding for us,” said Hill. “It’s been like having a second coach come to the team. He’s really good with the young blokes, helping them out, and he’s just bought into the culture of the club right from the word go.”
Bulking up the pack is former Roosters junior rep prop Geordie Brand, who joins from Southport in the Gold Coast competition.
Elsewhere, brothers and local juniors Kobi and Connah Mills return home this year, with the latter in particular putting in an excellent pre-season as he vies for the fullback jersey in round one.
In addition to their new recruits, the Colts are also excited about some of the club’s up-and-coming talent, who have continued to develop after getting their first taste of A-grade football last year.
They include centre Matt Bollard, who has kicked on after an outstanding 2023 that saw him named NRRRL rookie of the year.
“He’s trained the house during pre-season and has probably put on another five to eight kilos,” said Hill.
He’s not the only young gun to impress, with Fletcher Condon and Connor Smith also looking likely to start the season in the top grade.
Players to watch: Selected for NSW Country before injury destroyed his season, centre Adam Walker will be a huge strike weapon for the Colts. Strong, skilful and elusive, he has the potential to wreak havoc on the edges if given early ball.
In the halves, Aaron Booth also looms as a key player for the club. With an excellent kicking, passing and running game, he will be key to marshalling the team around the park and their creativity with the ball.
Meanwhile one of the Colts’ best in 2023 was lock forward Brock Hamill. A skilful middle with a strong running game who can whack like the best of them, Hamill is expected to return in the next few weeks from a stint playing rugby league in France and will once again be a leader in the team’s pack.
Why they will be competitive: As long as players stay on the park, the Colts have got plenty of quality and firepower to give the competition a real shake in 2024.
With the likes of Walker and Booth, Murwillumbah have some of the best players in the competition in their respective positions, while the shrewd acquisitions of forwards Saville and Brand will add extra punch to the pack.
And while last year’s injury crisis was frustrating for all involved, there was a silver lining in the sense that many of the club’s talented young players got their chance in the top grade, with many of them kicking on to be genuine first graders in their own right.
Given this mix of youth and experience at their disposal, the Colts are confident of a far more successful season in 2024.
“I think we’re definitely a semi-final team,” said Hill. “And then if that happens then we can work things out from there.”
Round one: Cudgen (H)
BALLINA SEAGULLS
Last season: Minor premiers (beaten in grand final)
Coach: Greg Barnes
Outlook: It was a bitter end to an outstanding 2023 season for the Ballina Seagulls, who after losing just one game in the regular season to claim the minor premiership fell to Cudgen 18-4 in the grand final.
And while the squad and club was bitterly disappointed with how things ended, they’re out to go one better in the upcoming campaign.
“We did discuss it,” said coach Greg Barnes. “We said ‘we’re gonna discuss it once and move on.’ It’s a totally new season, totally new team. Everyone agreed that we have to put that behind us.
“You look at the positives: it was a really, really good season apart from that and now we’re just raring to go for ‘24.”
While the bulk of the squad has returned in 2024, led by the likes of fullback Zac Beecher, five-eighth Hamish McClintock, forwards Billy and Michael Dwane and back-rower Jordan Lee, the Seagulls have lost some of their regulars from the minor premiership-winning squad.
Trio Damian Sironen, Jess Perry and Tim Cassidy have hung up the boots while centre Dan Gibson has moved on to Kyogle.
Coming in to bolster the squad is middle forward Ben Mathiou, who will be dual registered with the Tweed Seagulls, Tom Summer, the brother Seagulls’ prop Reece who spent the pre-season with the NZ warriors SG Ball squad, and local junior Kel Sheather, who returns to Ballina after spending the last couple of years playing in the Mackay competition.
The club will also look to promote from within, with some talented young players from the lower grades expected to get a shot in firsts over the course of the season.
“Our junior base is pretty exceptional. In the team we’ve got this year it’ll still be 95 per cent juniors,” said Barnes.
One of those is young front-rower Will Bates from last year’s Ballina under-18s side. The prop has caught the eye during the pre-season after spending some time in Parramatta’s pathways. “We’re expecting big things from him,” said Barnes. “He’s really keen and ready to go.”
Another who has been impressive over the pre-season is Liam Green. After starring at fullback for the Seagulls’ reserve grade side last season, he looks set to get first crack in the centres in 2024.
“He would have played first grade in just about any club last year,” said Barnes. “In the trial matches he’s showed that he’s going to be very slick.”
Players to watch: In a side that piled on more than 600 points last season, young five-eighth Hamish McClintock will once again be one to watch in 2024 as his kicking, running and passing game proved particularly lethal for the Seagulls.
Elsewhere, fullback Zac Beecher is one of the top players in the competition and will be key to organising the Seagulls’ defence and ensuring the side starts its sets on the right foot.
On the wing, Rowan Mansfield proved particularly dangerous with his speed and finishing, while back-rower Jordan Lee is set for another big season after being selected for the Northern Rivers Titans’ representative squad.
Why they will be competitive: While the club has lost some key leaders in the form of co-captains Sironen and Perry, as well as quality on the edges in centres Cassidy and Gibson, Barnes is confident that his side can go one better in 2024.
“It’s a younger side but I dare say that it’s much more mobile than in previous years,” he said.
“For everyone who’s left, we’ve replaced and we’re very confident that they’re going to do the same, if not better, job.”
In addition, Barnes believes the extra year of first grade experience for some of the club’s younger regular starters, such as McClintock and Mansfield, will be hugely beneficial moving forward.
“The experience of last year and especially that grand final – their first grand final – will be great for them,” he said.
As always, the Seagulls will come into round one in top shape, with a gruelling pre-season getting the squad ready for the start of the competition.
“We’ve had a really, really good off-season,” said Barnes. “It’s been heavy. We’ve got Steve Colman as our conditioner, who’s the best in the business. He’s worked with Penrith, South Sydney and has been with Ballina for years now. He gets everyone into shape and is a very hard trainer, and a lot of our wins come off the back of that.”
Round one: Casino (H)
CUDGEN HORNETS
Last season: Premiers (fifth in regular season)
Coach: Wayne Forbes
Outlook: On the back of one of the greatest late-season runs in bush footy history that resulted in a famous premiership, the Cudgen Hornets will come into 2024 as defending champions.
However it will be a very different-looking Cudgen side pushing for back-to-back titles after a string of retirements and departures from last year’s squad.
“This year we’re going to have a new-look team. At the moment, from the 17 players from the 2023 A-grade side, it looks like there’s only two who will play in round one,” said new coach Wayne Forbes, who himself is taking over from outgoing mentor Bryce Poisel.
Poisel’s departure is one of several from 2023, with Andrew Battese, Luke Dumas and Sam Grant among those retiring, while young half Harvey Moase is among a host of players having a year off.
“We had a few guys in their mid- to late-30s and they’ve taken that (premiership) as a sign of, ‘We got there, let’s look after the bodies a bit now,’” said club president Mick Channels.
“It was a fairly brutal run to the grand final with six or seven sudden-death games and a lot of them going down to the wire with come-from-behind wins. That takes its toll.”
He added: “I think those who have decided to hang up the boots have thoroughly deserved it.”
Compounding the departures, front-row enforcer Connor Ziebell is expected to miss a large chunk of the season after undergoing surgery to address ongoing injuries.
However instead of opening up the chequebook, the Hornets are largely looking within to promote local juniors into the top grade.
“The good thing is about the club is that we’ve got players stepping up to fill those gaps,” said Forbes. “We’ve probably got half a dozen kids from the under-18 grand final-winning side two years ago that will step up and play grade, we’ve got our reggies who are going for a three-peat – we’ve got the depth to fill those gaps and are pretty confident that we’ll peak again at the right time this year.”
One factor playing into the Hornets’ favour is the cancellation of Queensland’s Hastings Deering Colts competition (under-21s), which will see some talented local juniors return to the club.
“They’re coming back to club footy, which is a really good thing for us and it means our supporters will get to see some talented youngsters playing, which will be good,” said Channels.
The likes of Jett Forbes, who spent last season with the Cronulla Sharks SG Ball team, and Max Liles, who played for the Tweed Seagulls in the QRL competitions, are among those expected to come into the top grade, while others including Ty Kilpatrick, Koby Walpole, Hayden Wilson, Bailey Roberts, Chaz Bond and Cooper Roberts have all impressed throughout the pre-season and are knocking on the door for selection.
Players to watch: While he might not have been able to make too many sessions due to cricket commitments, Hornets skipper Caleb Ziebell will once again be one of Cudgen’s most important players heading into 2023.
A huge body with the skills of a halfback, Ziebell was inspirational for the Hornets in last year’s charge to the premiership and will provide much-needed experience to the young squad.
Elsewhere, young fullback Jordan Kempnich looms as a key player. Coming off an excellent 2023, he’ll be expected to take on more of a leadership role with the group as he matures as a footballer.
Why they will be competitive: With some of the club’s young guns either making the jump up the grades or returning after some time in junior rep systems, Cudgen’s youth and energy are expected to be big bonuses to the squad this year.
“It’s definitely the youth,” says Forbes. “With a nice sprinkling of some old-school boys there, the youth are going to give us that little boost that we need when you’re trying to go back to back and there are expectations on you and you lose a lot of cattle.”
Inspired by last year, the coach hopes the younger players can carry on the amazing legacy of the squad of 2023.
“The feelings they got from watching that premiership they’ll bring to the squad as they take over the reins,” he said.
And while the club has lost a lot of quality and experience in the form of key players Battese, Dumas and Grant, president Mick Channels is confident the current squad has the goods to once again challenge for the title come September.
“Our faith in the players is strong and we think they’ll be there when the whips are cracking,” he said. “We’ve got high hopes for the year.”
Round one: Murwillumbah (A)
NORTHERN UNITED DIRAWONGS
Last season: 3rd (eliminated week two of finals)
Coach: Chris Binge
Major ins: Tyrone Roberts (Burleigh Bears), Clint Williams (Goondiwindi), James Roberts
Outlook: After a breakout 2023 that saw the team finish third in the regular season and become a genuine contender for the title, the Dirawongs enter 2024 in slightly unfamiliar territory as they look to build on their progress.
“We obviously came off a really strong season, so we’re in a different position to what we have been in the past few years,” said coach Chris Binge. “We learned a lot from last year and what it takes to be in the top few teams in the competition and our priority has been not just maintaining what we did last year but also seeing if we can take it a step further.”
When it comes to taking it to the next level, Northern have certainly made their intentions known by signing former Newcastle, Gold Coast and Warrington playmaker Tyrone Roberts in a huge coup for the club.
“His experience speaks for itself,” said Binge. “I don’t think we can be complacent by having a player of his calibre come to the club but what he’s brought is an aura and edge of what it takes to be successful, both on and off the field. Particularly with our younger cohort of players, he’s really been able to influence that group that we’ve had for the past three or four years.”
It will be somewhat of a homecoming for the 32-year-old, who last year played for the Burleigh Bears in the Q Cup after close to 200 professional games in the NRL and UK Super League, with Roberts having grown up in the Northern Rivers before moving to Newcastle as a teenager after being signed by the Knights.
Roberts isn’t the only big-name recruit tipped to line up for the Dirawongs, with his namesake and former NSW Origin centre James Roberts expected to confirm his signing for the club in the coming weeks in what is another huge development for the club.
“He’ll bring a lot of experience to those outside back areas, which also complements what we’ve already got,” said Binge.
Elsewhere, returning to the club to bolster the front-row stocks is former Northern United player Clint Williams, who rejoins after some time playing for Goondiwindi in the Toowoomba competition.
“We haven’t gone crazy. There are three players that we’ve brought into the club in key positions that will give us some more punch in those areas. But now we’ve got to perform.”
The trio join a largely stable squad after the Dirawongs managed to re-sign the majority of their key players from 2023.
Players to watch: The club’s marquee signings of Tyrone and James Roberts will undoubtedly be key drawcards in 2024 as Northern looks to take things to the next level. Their pair will provide plenty of experience and quality, and will give the side an edge in terms of game management and firepower.
Elsewhere, fullback Hezekiah McKenzie will be hoping to continue his incredible form in 2024 after an outstanding season that saw him crowned the NRRRL player of the year, while Theo Hippi has developed into one of the competition’s best backrowers and was recently rewarded with selection in the Northern Rivers Titans representative side for the country championships.
Why they will be competitive: After losing just three games in the regular season last year, Northern don’t need to change too much to once again be in the mix for the premiership.
The addition of Tyrone Roberts and the expected signing of former Origin star James Roberts has added plenty of experience and firepower to a squad that already boasted the likes of representative players Theo Hippi and Hezekiah McKenzie, the latter of which was named NRRRL player of the season in 2023.
And while last year’s campaign was a runaway success for the side, Binge has identified areas in which he thinks the team can improve.
“I think it’s consistency. We know we have to be better conditioned, we know we have to be better in our general effort all round – whether on the ball or off the ball. I know it’s a cliche but that’s the reality of consistency – effort on effort,” he said.
The coach added that while the team has the potential to blow opposition sides away very quickly with their lethal attack, its success may ultimately depend on some of the more fundamental aspects of the game.
“I think we’ve got points in us but I think it’ll come down to how we manage the game and that’s why we’ve got Tyrone in the club – to support game management,” he said.
“If we get that part right it’ll help us get to the next level. If we are successful with that we’re not just going to improve on last year’s efforts but give this competition a real shake.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, we know that there’s a lot of hard work in front of us, but we’re confident in what we’re doing and what we’ve done in pre-season.”
Round one: Marist Brothers (A)
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