Football Far North Coast's shortened 2020 Premier League season kicks off tonight with a local derby between Lismore Thistles and Goonellabah at John Ryan Field with an 8pm kick-off.

The heavy rain has seen matches at Woodburn, Bangalow, Lennox and Eureka called off. Football Far North Coast's General Manager Steve Mackney also confirmed that the Premier League match between Maclean and Lismore Richmond Rovers has been moved to Rovers' home ground Bill Harris Field, Lismore.

Both Lismore Thistles and Goonellabah are playing under new coaches and are likely to unveil several debutants. Thistles coach Nick Winkler-Maloney said this afternoon he was still deciding on his team and feared the match might have to be called off.

"I have only maybes at this stage," he said.

Jye Wilson, named in Football Far North Coast's Team of the Year last season, will be a major threat to the visitors.

Goonellabah FCV coach Michael Primiano has been forced into a late change after experienced defender Chris Clarke suffered a reaction after being bitten by a spider at work.

Clarke's absence will see former South Lismore Celtic junior Nick Elliott come into the squad.

"Nick has spent the past 12 months playing in the US," said Primiano, whose side has reached the final of the ANZAC Day Cup.

"He gave us a call and will come in."

Primiano is in no doubt that Thistles will try and start fast.

"Our Championship team defeated Thistles last week in the First Round and they will be after revenge," Primiano said.

"We will be looking to control the tempo in tonight's match and we will be rethinking how we construct our play given the wet surface and the fact they like to use the pace of their forwards.

Brady Toniello will make his Premier League debut for the Hornets, who may also blood local junior Fraser Harrison.

Goonellabah FC squad for tonight's match at Lismore Thistles: Brad Robertson; Nick Elliott, Nelson Cheli, Andy McCalman, Sam Cheli, Will McCalman, Izac Monsuere, Yusmel Mustelier, Fraser Harrison, Aaron Kelly, Wayne Gordon, Tom Pitman, Reggie Sharpe, Kye Smith, Brady Toniello.

Premier League Round 1

Lismore Thistles v Goonellabah, John Ryan Field, tonight, 8pm

Alstonville v Bangalow, Crawford Park, Saturday, 3pm;

Lismore Richmond Rovers v Maclean, Bill Harris Field, 5pm;

South Lismore v Byron Bay, Sunday, 2:30pm;

South Lismore v Alstonville, South Lismore, Tuesday, 8pm;

Goonellabah v Maclean, Weston Park, 8pm.