History was made at Victoria Park on Sunday as Warrington were defeated 22-10 by Leeds in the first ever Physical Disability Rugby League match played in the UK.
Five minutes from KO. Here we go… pic.twitter.com/gOUHRWgEVj
— PDRL England (@PDRLEngland) February 4, 2018
A vibrant crowd, including celebrities and rugby league personalities, enjoyed a groundbreaking contest which it is hoped will lead to increased inclusion and participation in PDRL.
The teams are out! Come on the Wire! pic.twitter.com/3UrwhmQ66G
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) February 4, 2018
The Wolves took advantage of one of the main rules of PDRL, which allows two able bodied players in the team of nine, to field former star Toa Kohe-Love and ex-England full-back Shaun Briscoe, who now works for the club’s foundation, the driving force behind the PDRL team.
Able bodied players, who play wearing bibs, are not permitted to score, kick or run more than 10 metres. The game is played over two 25 minute halves with unlimited subs, no scrums and no drop goals. It is full contact, with the exception of two players on each side wearing red shorts who are tag only.
Australian comedian Adam Hills earned the honour of scoring Warrington’s first ever PDRL try, but the Wolves trailed 16-4 at half time following tries from Chris Hall, Josh Butler and Simon Brown.
Close! Great chance for Warrington out wide. Leeds still in front heading into the final few minutes pic.twitter.com/lCDdzIaImg
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) February 4, 2018
Captain Jason Elkaleh and Craig Jensen caught the eye in front of a packed crowd, while keen rugby league fans may have spotted BBC Radio Manchester presenter Jack Dearden turn out off the bench for the Wolves.
But just as was the case in Super League on Thursday night, the Rhinos proved too strong and came away with the win, despite a late try from Chris Whittle.
Great to have our #PDRL Ambassador @RLBarrieMc10 with us today supporting the team pic.twitter.com/MFDZp6Uq8W
— Rhinos Foundation (@RugbyLeeds) February 4, 2018
All in all though, rugby league and the community was the winner – and PDRL looks to have an exciting future.
Not a hint of tokenism one of the most uplifting #rugbyleague events ever been to #thefuture pic.twitter.com/n689n1BYOw
— Phil Caplan (@scratchingshed2) February 4, 2018
Warrington: Shaun Briscoe, Christopher Whittle, Joshua Whipday, Toa Kohe-Love, Craig Jensen, Jason Elkaleh, Adam Hills, Dan Phillips, Jamie Barnett. Subs: Jack Dearden, Leon Hoey, Will Maudsley, Andrew Norton.
Leeds: Chris Hall, Tom Sheridan, Jordan Stott, Josh Butler, Owen Britton, Owen Lockwood, Tom Lockett, Ashley Lockwood, Alex Brooker. Subs: Simon Brown, Dylan Hughes, Dan Roberts, Tom Pouncey, Nathan Collins, Chris Young.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to Victoria Park today to support the PDRL game! pic.twitter.com/4oVwGm5E3h
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) February 4, 2018
CLICK here for all the action pictures from EDDIE WHITHAM
