This weekend promises to be exciting for Hull FC’s disability teams as the Wheelchair side kick off their Super League campaign, whilst the PDRL squad will create history in their first-ever outing!
On Sunday, Hull FC’s Wheelchair side will make the long trip down to Kent to face London Roosters in their first match of the Wheelchair Super League campaign (1.00pm kick-off).
Meanwhile, at Robin Park Arena Hull FC’s PDRL side will get their first-ever hit out at the first PDRL festival of the year.
A record number of nine teams will compete in the competition this year, with Hull FC joining Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils.
Reece Hudson, who has spent the winter months coaching the PDRL side, said: “Everyone is really looking forward to playing this weekend. For some of them, it is their first-ever game of rugby league, so we really should celebrate the fact we are continuing to improve accessibility to play the sport.
“Ultimately, we want people to enjoy the experience of being able to represent Hull FC, so we are really grateful for the opportunity to play at our first festival.”
In addition, Mike Swainger, Head of Inclusion at the Hull FC Community Foundation explained: “It’s another variant of the game that we are excited to be a part of.
“The uptake of PDRL has been great and we are now in a position to represent Hull FC in league festivals. I can echo Reece’s thoughts that all of the players are really excited for the opportunity.”
Swainger, who himself is disabled, plays for the Black & Whites’ Wheelchair team and he is looking forward to making the trip down south to face London Roosters in the season opener this weekend.
“We saw how popular that Wheelchair Rugby League was at the recent World Cup, and we are proud to fly the flag for this exciting variation of the game,” Swainger said.
“The team have worked incredibly hard throughout the winter months, so we are looking forward to putting that work into practice on the court this weekend.”