14 October 2024
New Zealand will host its first ever international Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) match on 2 November at Go Media Stadium.
The trans-Tasman clash between the PDRLNZ (Whaikaha) Kiwis and the PDRLA Kangaroos will be played as the curtain raiser to the Kiwis v Tonga Pacific Championships match, giving fans a showcase of the multiple forms of the game.
PDRLNZ (Whaikaha) Kiwis Head Coach Ray Greaves said: “It is awesome to finally have an international match in New Zealand and to be playing in front of a crowd full of friends and whānau. This is a great opportunity for our players to show everyone what they can do and how much this sport benefits them and their lives.
“PDRL gives our players a purpose and coaching them has been the most humbling and gratifying thing I’ve ever done.
“A massive thanks has to go to Sandra Hickey who established this organisation nine years ago. We wouldn’t get to have these opportunities without her work and passion.”
The last time New Zealand and Australia met in the alternative format was during pool play of the 2021 PDRL World Cup. The Kiwis won the match 34-26 and were finalists but lost out on the title to England.
The game will kick off at 3.25pm on 2 November. Tickets to this game and the following Kiwis v Tonga match can be purchased from Ticketek.
Sam Haira (Vice-Captain)
Jack McSweeney
Michael Kulene
Mal Davis (Captain)
Roko Naiolo
Kent Stroobant
Macken Graham
Cody Matthews
Delta Taeauga
Phil Milne
Hedi Moani-Kafoa
Mowhia Cook
Zach Tagomoa Papali’i
Matthew Williams
Steven Beazley
Jason Wali
Head Coach: Raymond Greaves
Assistant Coach: Paul Mills
Assistant Coach: Shane Ratahi
Manager: Sandra Hickey
Physio: Jennifer Wills
PDRL gives those who were born with a physical disability, or who have found themselves with one through an event or accident, an opportunity to be involved in a team sport.
The rules and competition are true to the game but have been modified to cater for those with a passion for rugby league and with a physical disability that affects their strength, speed or coordination – to safely play the game they love.
To allow for greater involvement by all levels of physical disability, some players play the touch form of the game for their safety, meanwhile, others will play full contact. They are differentiated by the colour of their shorts with red signally a touch only player and black full contact.
Many players are born with their disability, for example those with cerebral palsy, but others may have lost a limb at some point in their life which limits their ability now to play sport in the way that they used to. Whatever their physical disability is, there is an opportunity to contribute to the success of the team with PDRL.
