Parramatta pair, Ward an opening batsman and Dempsey an all-rounder, are set to line-up against the Whips (Belmont) as part of the Newcastle competition's first triple header for 2020.

Ward has scored 536 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 59.6 in Sydney top grade this summer while Dempsey's best returns are 62 not out and 2-26.

In other changes for the Black Roses, Tom Maher and Bailey Creer come in for Matt Bennison and Jay Sneddon.

Nat Duggan and Brady Conlon miss Sunday's encounter but are expected to return against the Flood (Maitland) at Pasterfield Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Whips recruit Will Buttleman, from Northern Districts, is unavailable this weekend after playing in Thursday's 46-run win over the Flood at Learmonth Park. The Whips posted 9-117 and restricted the newcomers to 9-71.

Also at Waratah Oval on Sunday, both the Magpies (Charlestown) and Sabres (City) meet hosts the Waratahs (Waratah-Mayfield). All three suffered losses during the week.

Most recently, the Magpies went down to the Rosellas (Wests) by 15 runs at Kahibah Oval on Thursday. The visitors reached 5-119. Leg-spinner Aaron Bills (4-19) then claimed the first four wickets as the defending T20 Summer Bash champions were dismissed for 104.

Wallsend Oval houses the other three fixtures on Sunday.

The Tigers (Wallsend), minus Gary Geise, are at home to the Lions (Merewether) and Kookaburras (Toronto).

First-up winners the Sea Dragons (University) take on Magic (Maitland).

Play from 9am at both venues. Following sessions start at 12pm and 3pm.

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