Northern United will host the Cudgen Hornets at Crozier Oval on Sunday.

Both sides went deep into the 2023 NRRRL Finals series and the clash will be a good gauge on how both teams sit early in the 2024 season.

Northern United are coming off a solid 40-24 win over Kyogle in Round 2, with Round 1 washed out.

The Hornets had a 38-12 win over the Lower Clarence Magpies.

The Dirawongs solid forward pack, led by the try scoring machine Jirra Breckenridge, will look to pave the way for the slick backline, led by ex-NRL star Tyrone Roberts in the halves and fullback and 2023 NRRRL Player of the Year Hezekiah McKenzie.

Roberts had an impressive debut for United and his leadership and experience will play an important part of the Dirawongs road to the finals.

The U/18 will start the day at 12:00pm, Reserve Grade at 1:15pm and First Grade will kick off at 2:45pm.

In other local matches, Marist Brothers will travel to Les Donnelly Field in Mullumbimby to take on the Giants in Round 3.