Brotherly love?

There will be split loyalties for the O'Brien clan on Monday when Leinster Lightning do battle with the NW Warriors at The Hills.

While Kevin takes his usual place in the starting XI for the Dubliners, older brother Niall makes his debut for the NW Warriors.

It's a novel situation with Cricket Ireland insisting that all 21 centrally contracted players be involved in the 2017 series, but depite being deemed surplus to requirements by new Lightning coach Albert van der Merwe, O'Brien is happy to play with the Warriors and can't wait for his debut next week.

"I am looking forward to being a part of the Warriors side and to play in a talented team that will hopefully push for honours," said Niall. "It's a exciting time for Cricket Ireland and this new competition is very important.

"Families will be split with me facing Kev but it will be good fun all round, and everyone can't wait for it to start."

Niall has been contracted by Cricket Ireland as a specialist wicket-keeping coach but has yet to begin the role.

"It's something I'm very keen to get stuck in to, so will be hoping to start sessions soon where I can pass on my knowledge and experience gained over 17 years in county and international cricket to young keepers, not only in the NW, but throughout Ireland."

Younger brother Kevin isn't fazed by the fact that Niall will be in the opposition ranks. The brothers have crossed swords before in English County cricket where both have plied their trade over the past decade and beyond.

"It's nothing new really, as I think we have played against each other maybe three or four times before," said Kevin. "But it is always a bit strange! I think the score is 2-1 to Nialler in the head-to-heads, so hopefully I can draw level on Monday!"

Kevin will be returning from a hamstring injury, and can't wait for competitive action having missed the past month.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back into things, since I haven't played since the fourth ODI against Afghanistan in March.

"It's a great Leinster Lightning team and squad with a lot of youth in the panel. Its great to have Ed (Joyce) and Andy Balbirnie back, and adds a lot of talent to a very strong group of players.

"It's going to be an exciting season with the new List A and FC status, and I'm hopeful there will be more trophies for Leinster at the end of the campaign."

Leinster Lightning v NW Warriors, Monday May 1 at The Hills (10:45am)

LEINSTER LIGHTNING (from): John Anderson (Captain – Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke), Peter Chase (Malahide), George Dockrell (Leinster / Dublin University), Jamie Grassi (North County), Ed Joyce (Merrion), Tyrone Kane (Merrion), Josh Little (Pembroke), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Eddie Richardson (North County), Simi Singh (YMCA), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Sean Terry (The Hills).

NORTH WEST WARRIORS (from): Andy McBrine (Capt) (Donemana), Andy Britton (Brigade), Ricky-Lee Dougherty (Donemana), Aaron Gillespie (Strabane), Steve Lazars (Coleraine), Gary McClintock (Donemana), Niall O'Brien, David Rankin (Bready), Irosh Samarasooriya (Bready), Johnny Thompson (Brigade), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Craig Young (Bready).