The first home match of the year will be the last as CEO for Terry Reader as the Devils prepare for a changing of the guard this weekend.

Reader, pictured right, will finish his 16-month stint at the Devils after tonight’s trial match against Redcliffe and return to the Broncos, where he will take on a role of Chief Strategy Officer for the NRL powerhouse.

He will be replaced by Troy Rovelli, who has spent the last two weeks learning about life as Bishop Park.

Rovelli knows plenty about the role of CEO – he joined Norths from the Mackay Cutters where his contributions were highly praised during his three-year stint.

Reader leaves the Devils in excellent shape – he came to the club with coach Rohan Smith and the pair orchestrated immediate and productive change resulting in the club championship victory last season.

“It’s been an honour to fill a role at a club with the history of Norths and I’m now a Devil for life – the club has got into my blood and I look forward to staying involved here,” Reader said.

“We’ve been fortunate to have some excellent people here who have helped a lot in what we’ve done over the last 16 months.

“I’m really looking forward to see how we go on the field this year. It’s an exciting time and the club’s in excellent hands with Troy. It’s very pleasing to have such a professional come into the club.”

Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White said he was pleased at Norths’ progress on and off the field since the club asked Reader to take on the Devils’ role.

“A healthy and vibrant Norths is good for Brisbane rugby league and it’s very important to the Broncos’ success,” White said.

“Our affiliate clubs play a very important role for us so it’s pleasing that someone of the calibre of Troy Rovelli is taking over from Terry. I played against Troy back when we were a bit younger – he was a fierce competitor on the field and he’s become an excellent administrator.”

Rovelli said his first fortnight at the Devils had provided him a good glimpse into the club as the 2019 season looms.

“This is an historic club but it’s also a club that has become innovative in recent times so I’m looking forward to an exciting season,” Rovelli said.

Reader is leaving one noticeable legacy at Bishop Park – the new Devils Lair opens at tonight’s trial match. Situated on halfway on the western side of the ground, the Devils Lair will include some access for supporters who wish to buy tickets.