THE fourth round of Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League is shaping up as an important round for teams across the competition.
Rain has restricted some teams to just one game this season while others have registered back-to-back wins in impressive fashion.
Northern United will have a chance to gauge where they're at when they take on competition leaders Byron Bay at Red Devil Park.
Byron Bay piled on the points in a 56-16 win over Lower Clarence while United's game against Cudgen was washed out.
The Red Devils have plenty of strike in the backline with centre Clarence Kelly and fullback Brett Kelly having played for the Dirawongs in recent years.
The addition of five-eighth Jack Rogers and halfback Toby Marks has helped Byron Bay this season.
Rogers is the son of dual international Mat Rogers and comes to the club from the Gold Coast.
Former NRL star Todd Carney is coaching the Red Devils.
A ruptured biceps he suffered in a preseason representative game will keep him sidelined for most of the season.
He could return off the bench or in a starting spot in time for finals.
United will need to aim up in the forwards through the likes of Jirra Breckenridge and Djaan Jarrett.
Former NRL players Tyrone Roberts and James Roberts played in the first round for United in a 40-24 win over Kyogle.
Tyrone was key in the halves scoring two tries and steering the team around the park.
In other games, Marist Brothers will be looking for a better performance when it hosts Tweed Coast at Crozier Field, Lismore.
A late try to halfback Shallin Fuller saw them force a 12-all draw against Mullumbimby last weekend.
Meanwhile, Tweed Coast is coming off a 20-14 loss against the Casino Cougars.
Elsewhere, Cudgen host the Ballina Seagulls in a grand final rematch from last season at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff.
The Seagulls will be out for revenge after being blown off the park in a second half onslaught on home soil.
Most of the Cudgen team have moved on this season, but they still have plenty of points in them, while front-rower Caleb Ziebell is widely regarded as the best player in the competition.
NRRRL games this weekend
Round 4, April 28
Games kick-off at 2.45pm
- Marist Brothers v Tweed Coast at Crozier Field, Lismore
- Byron Bay v Northern United at Red Devil Park, Byron Bay
- Cudgen v Ballina at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff
- Kyogle v Mullumbimby at New Park, Kyogle
- Evans Head v Lower Clarence at Stan Payne Oval, Evans Head
- Bilambil v Murwillumbah at Bilambil East Sport Field
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Mitchell Craig
Australian Community Media journalist with over 15 years' experience in providing quality news and sport stories. For story ideas and news tips contact me on mitchell.craig@lismorecitynews.com.au
Australian Community Media journalist with over 15 years' experience in providing quality news and sport stories. For story ideas and news tips contact me on mitchell.craig@lismorecitynews.com.au
