BY PHIL CAPLAN
THE first, landmark Physical Disability Rugby League match in the UK was played at Victoria Park on Sunday 4 February 2018 between Warrington and Leeds, the Rhinos triumphant 22-10, additional publicity gained with current RFL president Adam Hills – a massive proponent of PDRL – lining up for the Wolves and facing fellow Last Leg co-presenter Alex Brooker.
The official Wheelchair Super League was founded in 2019, 14 teams having played in it to date, defending champions Halifax having won the title three times, Leeds twice and Wigan once.
The first, groundbreaking official launch of the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability competition took place at Anfield Stadium, during the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend, also in 2019.
The three variants came together for the first time for a season launch, held in the 1904 Lounge at the MKM Stadium, Hull.
Representatives from all sectors milled around the room for casual media chats and photographs before the formal part, hosted by England Wheelchair Rugby League star and TV summariser Freya Levy.
England Wheelchair international Luis Domingos played Wheelchair Basketball for Portugal.
“Before, basketball was my main priority and I used rugby to prepare for that, right now rugby is my main concentration because of how it has developed, the players are so much more skillful and so many newcomers have joined the sport,” he noted.
“This launch is a great idea, we all represent disability sport and to be celebrating this under the same umbrella is important, it shows the power of sport and I love to meet new people, hear of their experiences and learn about sports other than mine.”
Much of the focus in Wheelchair Super League this year will be on obtaining spots for 2026 WRL World Cup in Wollongong, Australia in October.
The big news at the launch was that the PDRL players will also be flying to Australia to compete in a second World Cup.
The PDRL Community Lions won the inaugural competition in England in 2022, defeating New Zealand 42-10 in the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and will have the opportunity to defend their crown – most likely against Australia, the Kiwis and hopefully Wales.
Chris Young was a key part of the side that became world champions four years ago, and he has again been included in the initial 20-player squad in preparation.
”It’s a fabulous prospect of travelling to Australia to defend the World Cup,” he said. “It’ll be my first time over there so I’m hoping it will be a memorable trip.
“To get one up on the Aussies on their soil would be amazing, it will certainly give added focus to the season ahead, it’s been a two-year cycle with an Origin series added and selection broken down into classifications.
“You don’t imagine, going down to a training session eight years ago and wondering what to expect that we’d been in a room celebrating all this, never mind be talking about World Cups.”
A particularly significant milestone also celebrated at the launch event was the 10-year anniversary of social impact attained with highly valued partners Community Integrated Care, not least in furthering LDRL.
Nathan McAllister-Wood plays for Wakefield and has no doubt how much the experience has benefitted him.
“Rugby league really is the most inclusive sport in the world,” he beamed gesturing around the hub-bub in the room. “I’m just amazed how far the sport impacts so many.
“Magic weekend is the best place to show off our talents so hopefully that will continue,” he continued. “I feel like I’ve matured more this time more than anything which is something I have struggled with in the past.”
RFL national inclusion manager Chris Godfrey oversaw the event with the look of a proud parent.
“We want to shine a spotlight on all these people who are fighting through masses of adversity but able to represent themselves through our great game,” he said.
“Looking at things that were just an idea to now having such an inclusive offer that is internationally recognised, we couldn’t have envisaged that.
“We’ve brought greater visibility, and more people with the same kind of impairments can see the benefit socially from participation, we are managing to tackle lots of inequalities and all through a sport that brings people together.
“That’s the most positive thing we’ve achieved.”
