THE GAME they play in heaven makes its return for another year, with the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season kicking off across the region this weekend.
The Port Macquarie Pirates begin their premiership defence at home in the local derby against the Hastings Valley Vikings.
Last season’s runners-up the Coffs Harbour Snappers begin their season on the road when they travel to take on the Kempsey Cannonballs.
The SCU Marlins are also away from home to start their season, as they clash with the Grafton Redmen in Grafton.
Coffs Harbour Snappers reserves and women’s teams begin their premiership defence in Kempsey, where they play the Kempsey Cannonballs.
The Snappers and SCU Marlins meet in their first local derby of the season during Round 4 on Saturday 23 May.
They also meet in Round 9 and Round 14, as they play off for the Des Hoy Cup.
The Snappers and Port Macquarie Pirates meet in their grand final rematch during Round 5 on Saturday 30 May, in Port Macquarie.
This season’s finals series gets underway on Saturday 28 August, with the grand final to be played on Saturday 12 September.
By Aiden BURGESS
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