The women’s NRL isn’t the only inaugural competition this season, with this weekend seeing the first ever Physical Disability Rugby League World Club Challenge.
The competition will see UK side Warrington Wolves battle it out against NSW premiers South Sydney, running over two games. The first game is on the 30th of August at ANZ Stadium, then the second on the 2nd of September at Redfern oval.
Physical disability rugby league is played under modified rules. Halves go for 20 minutes, there are no scrums, and accidental drop ball is considered a tackle in the regular 6 tackle set. Players can play in red shorts, which means they cannot tackle or be tackled, or black shorts, which means they can play full legal contact.
Female players are encouraged to participate, and each team is allowed two able-bodied players. This year, Andrew Johns will be an able-bodied player for the Warrington Wolves.
While the NSW competition started in 2010, there is still no competition affiliated with Australian Rugby League.
After Australia’s brilliant win at the Commonwealth Challenge, the NSW premiers are slight favourites to come out on top, but Warrington have a team that is more than capable of upsetting the popular side. It should be a close match, helping the first year of the challenge to be a great one.
For more information, check out the NSW Physical Disability Rugby League website.
