HOT on the heels of their historic first win, Warrington’s physical disability Rugby League team is now heading down under!
Warrington Wolves’ PDRL team defeated Wakefield 26-14 in a curtain raiser before the Wolves’ Challenge Cup victory over Toronto Wolfpack on Sunday.
Now following a chance phone call and a small pot of money the team will take part in the first Club Challenge in Australia at the ANZ Stadium, against South Sydney Rabbitohs in August.
Wolves Foundation Chief Executive Neil Kelly explained: “Over the past year we have seen the Rugby Football League open up opportunities for people with both physical and learning disabilities.
“Warrington Wolves have been at the forefront of this development through their amazing disability programme that consists of their own youth club and football teams.
“With the support and passion of Adam Hills, Australian comedian and TV presenter of The Last Leg, the vision to create a Rugby League team has taken off.
“A mad South’s fan, Adam’s boyhood dream has been to play Rugby League and Warrington Wolves made that dream come true on 4 February this year, at the Asics Stadium when the first PDRL game took place against the Leeds Rhinos.
“Now the ambition is Australia and the first Club Challenge; a major step for the development of the game internationally,” added Neil.
Adam said, “I cant believe this is happening and I am still torn who I will play for. I have even spoke to Russell Crowe about playing but he’s playing on an old Gladiator injury.”
The historic game provides an amazing opportunity for this group to not only play the game they love but take part in the unique experience of travelling Down Under.
The group needs to raise £50,000 to get to Australia and are looking for businesses or individuals willing to support them, having also set up a Just Giving page.
Adam is also producing a documentary around the journey of PDRL and the RFL are backing and promoting it at the Wembley final.
For more information on how you can get involve contact [email protected] or donate now at www.justgiving.com/PDRL
Meanwhile the Wolves Foundation continued with their ground breaking initiatives as they hosted the first ever Learning Disabilities (LDRL) game of Rugby League at the Halliwell Jones on Sunday, when the Wire triumphed 8-4 over Wakefield.
Action from the first LDRL game – picture Eddie Whitham
Picture gallery from Warrington PDRL v Wakefield PDRL Pictures Eddie Whitham
Picture gallery from first ever LDRL game Warrington v Wakefield Pictures Eddie Whitham
