Luke Ryan will join his twin brother Matt in the Northern Suburbs back three for the Good Friday clash with Southern Districts at North Sydney Oval.

Luke, who was the top try scorer in Norths’ first grade colts team last year and a key man in the sevens season earlier this year, gets his chance on the wing, after first James Turner and then Seb Cameron were forced out.

Turner tweaked his ankle last weekend against Warringah at Rat Park while Cameron is adhering to COVID protocols and is not available.

There were genuine fears that Turner might be out for the season but the news is a lot brighter and he could be back on the field in three weeks time. 

This is Luke’s run-on debut after coming on from the bench in Norths’ win over the Western Sydney Two Blues last year.

Luke’s brother Matt, who can play No.10, has done a great job at fullback in the first couple of rounds of the Shute Shield playing a key role in Norths unbeaten start to the season.

Against Warringah he made a scything run in the middle of the field from a set piece move that led to Angus Sinclair’s try in the first half.

They may be identical twins but it’s easy to tell them apart with Matt sporting a Ryan Papenhuyzen style mullet haircut and Luke slightly more conventional.

Norths coach Zak Beer will be looking for a more focussed performance from his charges at North Sydney Oval.

“We’ve been good in patches in the first two rounds but our discipline let us down against Warringah and they were able to get back into the contest,” coach Beer said.

“This team has only scratched the surface in terms of putting the complete game together and we are hoping to make some strides on that front on Friday.”

Souths will be looking hit back from their 44-22 loss to Gordon at Forshaw last weekend.

The Rebels bounced out to a 12-0 lead in the first half but could not cope with the Highlanders rolling maul and the in close running game Mahe Vailanu.

It will be almost 300 days since Norths played a game at their spiritual home on Miller St.