Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair open their new Super League season this weekend against Warrington Wolves at Birchwood Community High School on Saturday, kick off 2pm.
Following the success of the Wheelchair game at the Rugby League World Cup at the end of 2022, interest in the upcoming season is at an all time high and fans can expect one of the most competitive seasons yet. The six-team division includes reigning Grand Final champions Halifax Panthers and the current Challenge Cup holders Leeds, with Wigan Warriors, London Roosters, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC all showing their ambitions to get their hands on some silverware in 2023.
Leeds’ Tom Halliwell and Nathan Collins were involved in England’s World Cup win – Halliwell scoring the winning try in the Final – and they will be joined by Wales’ Jodie Boyd-Ward, who was announced as the club’s new captain earlier this week.
Ewan Clibbens, Verity Smith, Dan Cutts Josh Butler and Paul Horrobin are all names to watch out for on Saturday too, along with former Halifax Panther Nathan Mullhall, who made the switch to Leeds in 2023.
First up for James Simpson’s side is Warrington, who finished bottom of the division last year, their only win of the campaign coming against Hull FC with a 66-28 result in the opening round. CLICK HERE for details of the 2023 Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair full fixture schedule.
Wheelchair Super League round one fixtures
Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos (Saturday 18th, KO 2pm)
Wigan Warriors vs Halifax Panthers (Sunday 19th, KO 12pm)
London Roosters vs Hull FC (Sunday 19th, KO 1pm)
Players to watch
Jodie Boyd-Ward
Leeds’ new captain has been long-serving for club and country.
Boyd-Ward was a try scorer in both major finals last year for the Rhinos, helping her team to victory in the Challenge Cup against Catalans Dragons. She ended the season by appearing in her third World Cup and was ever-present in their run to the semi-finals.
Nathan Collins
Another star at the World Cup was Nathan Collins.
Quick with ball in hand and deceptive close to the try line, he scored some great tries for the Rhinos last year. His goal kicking in the Challenge Cup Final was important too to help Leeds retain the trophy.
Used as a super-sub off the bench in the World Cup, Collins played in five England games and scored 88 points (six tries and 32 goals).
Toby Burton-Carter
Warrington captain Toby Burton-Carter will be a key figure for the Wolves this season as they look to start strongly.
Like Collins and Boyd-Ward, he was involved in last year’s World Cup with Ireland at the end of the season and played three times at full back.
Ticket information
Entry for Saturday’s game is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions (both card and cash payment are accepted), with all money going to Warrington Wolves Foundation to help the long-term sustainability of all formats of the game.
Parking is available in the Birchwood shopping centre car park. This is free parking for three hours and then pay and display for any further time required. Players and officials can park at the school’s on-site car park.
Squad
| Number | Name | Sponsor |
| 1 | Nathan Collins | Emma Winter Massage Therapy |
| 3 | Josh Butler | Skyliner Restaurant |
| 4 | Nathan Mullhall | Available to Sponsor |
| 5 | Dan Cutts | Available to Sponsor |
| 6 | Ewan Clibbens | Available to Sponsor |
| 7 | Tom Halliwell | Available to Sponsor |
| 8 | Paul Horrobin | Available to Sponsor |
| 9 | Verity Smith | Medway Pride Radio |
| 10 | Jodie Boyd Ward | Available to Sponsor |
Coaching Staff
James Simpson