On Saturday 23rd June Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team will be ready for the Return Leg at Emerald Headingley as they take on Warrington Wolves PDRL for the second time this season.
Back in February Leeds Rhinos Foundation PDRL competed in the UK's first PDRL game against Warrington Wolves Foundation at Victoria Park and the Rhinos earned a 22-10 win in the historic fixture and the two teams are set for a rematch at the famous Leeds stadium this June.
Chris Godfrey, disability co-ordinator at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “We are thrilled that Emerald Headingley will host our huge fixture against Warrington and all the players are looking forward to taking them on again.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to the PDRL concept since it was launched at the end of last year, both in terms of players attending our training sessions and the support from the fans. For anyone who has seen one of our games this year they will know they are entertaining and competitive games and I’m sure this game will be no different.
“In our squad we have players who are visually impaired, individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy and amputees as well as a number of veterans with service related conditions, so each player and each team face challenges with different disabilities and impairments, but what’s great about PDRL is that it’s not about the players’ disabilities, it’s about two teams playing rugby league and not let anything hold them back.”
In the first game, both sides were joined by special guest players, Channel 4's The Last Leg stars, Adam Hills and Alex Brooker. Hills represented the Wolves and Brooker, who is a Rhinos fan, came on for the Rhinos in his Rugby League debut.
Both Hills and Brooker are expected to be involved in the game at Emerald Headingley along with special guest players and the stakes are high, with the Rhinos looking to clinch a double over the Wolves.
Since that first match, the PDRL concept in the UK has grown, with teams from Castleford and Wakefield now running their own PDRL teams and Leeds Rhinos Foundation has continued to attract more players to their side, who train regularly with head coach, Leeds Rhinos Foundation coaches.
The game will take place on Saturday 23rd June at Emerald Headingley Stadium. Gates will open at 1pm on St Michael’s Lane only and the game will kick off a 2.30pm. Entry is via donations on the gate, with all money going to Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
For more information on playing or supporting Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s PDRL team email chris.godfrey@leedsrhinosfoundation.org