What’s happening?
A FREE Wheelchair Rugby League Come and Try session was held at Rockhampton State High School on Saturday, 21 February from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
The event welcomed people of all ages, genders and skill levels. People living with disabilities and able-bodied participants competed together on the same team.
Organisers describe NRL Wheelchair as “a uniquely inclusive version of Rugby League, where people living with disability and able-bodied participants play together on the same team.”
They said the sport provides “a fun, fast-paced and supportive environment for anyone keen to get involved, whether as a participant, volunteer, supporter or spectator.”
Carers, parents, siblings, cousins, friends and community members were encouraged to take part. No prior experience was required and participants did not need to know the rules.
Sports wheelchairs were provided. Attendees were asked to bring enclosed shoes and enthusiasm.
Jessie Conway attended with her two children, one able-bodied and one with a disability.
“Yeah, they’re loving it,” she said.
“It’s actually great to see them doing something together because usually they have to do very separate things based on their abilities. So actually seeing them enjoy themselves together has been really, really good.”
Jessie said the whole family joined in.
“There’s no reason why it can’t be mum, dad, the kids and the dad.”
“I’ve had a go. My partner, Si, has had a go. It’s great. Our carer is here having a go.”
“It doesn’t matter what ability you have. And everybody’s had heaps of fun. We’ve really enjoyed it.”
Game day officer Adam Sheaf travelled from the Sunshine Coast to help deliver the program.
“I’m a game day officer with Canara Wheelchair.”
“To deliver this wheelchair rugby league program to the area and hopefully build more participants as wheelchair rugby league is the most inclusive sport with able bodies and disabled bodies can play alongside each other.”
Why it matters?
Jessie said inclusive activities are often limited.
“We can’t usually find activities that especially Micah, that he can enjoy and be included in. So to have another one of those things that we can actually do is just amazing. So it’s super exciting.”
She admitted she had not known much about the sport before attending.
“Yeah, I haven’t heard a lot about it. I may have seen it probably when the last Paralympics were on. I saw it a tiny bit. But I didn’t really know much about the rules or about what it involved in terms of as an abled person being able to have a go.”
“This has definitely opened up a world to us to be able to have something that the kids can do together and we can have a go at. So yeah, it’s been incredible.”
Adam said there is a common misconception around the sport.
“It’s not a disability sport at all. It’s all inclusive, so anyone can.”
He said he has seen fathers and sons play together, one with a disability and one without.
“They’ve played alongside each other from representation through New South Wales and Australia. So, yeah, it’s a great sport to build up and have that connection with people.”
Adam added that the wheelchair is simply part of the game.
“A wheelchair is just a vehicle. It’s like horse riding. You need a horse to ride a horse. To play this game, you need a wheelchair.”
Local impact
Adam said the focus is now on building participation in Central Queensland.
“We’re just helping to build up in the Central Highlands region, Central Queensland region.”
Jessie hopes the session leads to something ongoing in Rockhampton.
“I’m hoping they start something really regular here in Rockhampton and that we can continue to learn some new skills.”
“Especially since Samuel is six, I think he would really love the opportunity to find a new sport.”
“If it does become a regular here in Rockhampton, we’ll be involved.”
By the numbers
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Five players compete on the court at a time, with only two able-bodied players allowed on court at any one time.
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The playing area measures about 40 metres by 30 metres, roughly one and a half basketball courts in size.
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Junior competitions in South East Queensland include participants aged four to 12, while players aged 16 and above can compete in older divisions.
Zoom in
Adam said he has been involved in wheelchair rugby league for the past two and a half years.
“It’s been going for years. I’ve only been involved for the last two and a half years, and it’s just taken a new lease of life for me, and I’m excited.”
He previously played in the running game before injury.
“I was playing in the running game, yeah. I got injured at a younger age and become a sports trainer and a coach. Then I got involved in Wheelchair Rugby League via those avenues. And, yeah, just fell in love, and I actually play now as well.”
He works across rugby league throughout the week.
“Just basically football in general. I have a local team down on the Sunshine Coast, Kwina Dolphins, I look after as a FO coordinator. I’m also involved throughout Wheelchair Rugby League on the SEQ scene in Queensland and Australia.”
“Yeah, dedicated whole life, Monday to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, you name it, I’m here.”
Zoom out
Adam said national titles are coming up in July, with a World Cup at the end of the year.
“We’re just trying to build up an area to get the numbers. We do have national titles in July coming up and the World Cup at the end of the year with the Wheeler Roos trying to take their spot in.”
He said State Cup teams include NRL clubs.
“We also have a State Cup team with Broncos, Titans, Cowboys and Dolphins all participated in and jumped in.”
“You can still strive to make the Brisbane Broncos or the Titans team. You can also represent Queensland. You can push forward to Australia, play in the big World Cup. So there’s a lot to do and achieve in this game.”
What to look for next?
Organisers are aiming to roll out more Come and Try days in Central Queensland.
“There’s a lot of Come and Try days coming up. I’m not sure of dates, but we’re trying to get more and more,” Adam Sheaf said.
He urged locals to follow NRL Wheelchair and state wheelchair rugby league pages online for updates.
Jessie Conway hopes the sport becomes regular in Rockhampton.
“If it does become a regular here in Rockhampton, we’ll be involved.”
