- The first ever Physical Disability Rugby League World Club Challenge will be held between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Warrington Wolves Thursday 30 August (6:05pm);
- PDRL is an all-inclusive full-contact sport for anyone living with a physical disability;
- Rugby League Immortal Andrew Johns and Australian comedian Adam Hills will be representing the Wolves;
- The game kicks off at 6:05pm before the Rabbitohs v Tigers and fans are advised to arrive early;
- Tickets double as entry for the round 25 NRL clash and are available here.
Nathan Davis
RUGBY league prides itself on being an all-inclusive sport.
No matter one’s race, age or gender the code welcomes all to grab a Steeden, tuck it underarm and charge the line.
Now Thursday 30 August on the hallowed Stadium Australia turf, rugby league athletes living with physical disabilities are taking centre stage.
Players from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby League sides will be competing for the first ever PDRL World Club Challenge.
PDRL was created in 2010 by Sydney 2000 Paralympian George Tonna to provide a full-contact rugby league alternative accessible to anyone with a physical disability.
Tonna, who has cerebral palsy, now chairman of the NSW Physical Disability Rugby League Association and will run out in the Cardinal and Myrtle on Thursday evening.
Each team has nine players, including two able-bodied players who guide the team around. Two players wear red shorts, signifying that they can only play touch and the rest are full contact.
Australian comedian and TV presenter of The Last Leg, Adam Hills, is a key member of the Warrington Wolves PDRL team and championed the fixture at Stadium Australia to grow the game.
“The truth is, when this all started, part of it was just a way for me to play for the Rabbitohs,” he told the Warrington Wolves Foundation.
“But I have learned that all this is more than that, I want the sport to look its best. I want people to see that this is a proper sport.
“Rugby League is the sport I always wanted to play. But I was never going to become a first grade rugby league player with one leg.
“This is a childhood dream for me.”
Hills will be lining up alongside Australian rugby league legends Immortal Andrew Johns and Matt King, both of whom played for the Wolves during their careers.
Johns, who played three games for the UK club in 2005, is excited for his first rugby league match in over a decade.
“I’m really excited to be putting that Warrington jersey back on, and playing in the first Physically Disabled Rugby League World Club Challenge game,” he said.
“I haven’t played footy for eleven years so it should be interesting.”
The PDRLWCC kicks-off at 6:05pm before the NRL Rd 25 clash between the Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers at 7:50pm.
With the South Sydney Rabbitohs shooting for a guaranteed Top 4 finish, this final-round blockbuster with the Wests Tigers is a must-win.
A win and favourable results for the Bunnies means they are back next week in that all-important home final, while the Wests Tigers are playing for pride to top off a strong season.
Tickets to both games are just $20 and all tickets and Memberships include return train travel. Go here.
NOVA employment is offering free General Admission tickets to people with disabilities and their caregivers. Booking is essential here: [email protected]
Event Schedule
Time |
Activity |
|---|---|
| 5.55PM | Gates Open |
| 6:05PM | Kick Off: NSW Physical Disability Rugby League South Sydney v Warrington Wolves |
| 7:50PM | Kick Off: NRL – Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers |
