With all games in the opening round of the senior R L T D transferred to the contingency date in July due to the weather and state of grounds last week, the season will officially get underway this weekend.
Only four clubs are fielding the under 20 grade so that will leave four clubs contesting with Brothers, Western Lions, Centrals and Souths.
With the exception of Souths who do not have a Ladies team, all clubs will be in the other three grades.
This weekend on Saturday Souths will host Western Lions in a replay of last seasons Grand Final while on Sunday Burdekin will travel to Brothers and Centrals will host Herbert River, Charters Towers and Norths A grade having byes.
The North reserves and ladies though will be visited by Bowen.
Wet weather has severely hindered training so far this season with all teams affected by the conditions.
Normally teams would have had two or three trials.
The Roosters did have a reserve grade match with Bowen while Brothers did play half a match with the Blackhawks.
Brothers have secured one of the best and most experienced League players in the competition and he alone should put them back up near the top of the ladder.
Half, five eight Shaun Nona lead Souths to a premiership last season with his kicking game alone a match winner.
The former Dragons NRL star has also played New South Wales and Queensland Cup over the years and has claimed many victories through his goal kicking.
Nothing much is known concerning the remainder of the Brothers squad but they will be enough.
The Roosters have gained PNG International Aiden Arusa and former Blackhawk speedster Jesse Yallop and they will be strengthened by the return from the Hawks MMC team Jye Olsen and Hayde Munnro but will not be till next week.
The Burdekin Hens knocked Brothers out of the Women's race last year in the semi final but a couple of Hens have now moved to Brothers and the match could be interesting.
Meanwhile back at Rugby Park the annual Shane Muspratt Cup games will be played in the under 12 division.
28 teams from Cairns in the North to one from Brisbane will contest the two day carnival on Friday and Saturday.
The carnival has been well supported by the clubs from Townsville as well as Mackay and the Whitsundays.
The Burdekin Little Roosters team will be a strong one coached by former Australian Schoolboy John Nash.
Roosters Junior President Jarod Smith said the team relay and the coaches relay could be two of the highlights.
The canteen will be open during the two days while the carnival is alcohol free.
Play gets under way on Friday morning with former local Rooster, Cowboys and Parramatta Eel Shane Muspratt in attendance.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
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