After a great season last year, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Physical Disability Rugby League team are back, and ready for a big season ahead.
Last year saw the Foundation’s PDRL team finish second in the league overall despite encountering a rough patch during the middle of the season as results suffered due to injuries and availability issues. Despite this, the team also made it to Final’s Day where they were crowned champions after a dramatic golden point win over Wakefield Trinity – unbeaten league leaders and firm favourites for the title. Some of the players also went on the represent their country in the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup, winning the title for England for the first time.
As the start of the season approaches, the team and their Coach, Keiran Hickman, hope that after winning their first piece of silverware last year, the list of achievements and titles will continue to grow.
Player, Tommy Pouncey, explained how pivotal this season is for the team and their hopes for the upcoming year:
“It’s about us proving that last year wasn’t just a fluke and that’s important to everyone in the team. It feels amazing to be back, to be back with such a programme outlined by Kieran, it feels wonderful. We’ve got such a great set up this year, the best players in the league and hopefully we can add two and two together and win a cup”.
Speaking ahead of the team’s first training session on Monday, Keiran Hickman added how important the pre-season is in ensuring a successful season:
“It’s really good to be back, obviously the boys had a really good season last year winning competitions. A lot of them have gone on to play in the World Cup and a good few have actually won the World Cup with England so it’s good to get them all back now, get training, get fitness, and hopefully go a bit better next year and win league leaders and the play offs. Hopefully they are all ready for what’s to come. A good pre-season gets them ready for the big season ahead.”
The team are always looking for new players and we encourage anyone with a physical disability, looking to get into rugby league, to join us at our training sessions.
Every Monday
Bartercard Training Complex, Bridge Road, Leeds, LS5 3BW
6-7:30pm
For more information, contact ed.bates@leedsrhinosfoundation.org