The Cannons first and reserve grade sides will be playing for Port Macquarie two-year-old Austin ‘Ozzie’ Jimmy who was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia in April.

Austin was immediately transferred to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle to begin his long-term treatment, which is expected to be at least 12 months.

Parents Nathan and Alana’s lives were turned upside down after receiving the devastating news and the two have relocated into a unit at a Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle.

“Their lives have been put on hold,” Kempsey Cannonballs president Lance Byrne said.

The Cannonballs will take to the field in a charity jersey and they will be sold to players and spectators with the proceeds going to Austin's family.

“A couple of the player’s wives are friends with the family and they suggested the idea to the club at a meeting and we thought it was a great idea,” Byrne said

“We will do what we can to raise as much as we can to support the family in their time of need.”

The charity event coincides with ladies day for the club, with the first game kicking off at 12.30pm.

Food and alcoholic beverages will be available with the profits going to Austin’s family.

"Come out, enjoy a great day of rugby and help us raise awareness and funds for young Ozzie,” Byrne said.

A fundraiser event for Austin will also be held in Port Macquarie at the Sails Resort on Saturday. 

There will be raffles, a signed broncos jersey and other items auctioned at the event to raise funds for the family.