Wheelaroo Richard Engles is a disability player who took up Wheelchair Rugby League in 2013. “I started playing as I saw it as a new fun challenge after playing tennis and basketball,” says Richard.
Richard was born in Gosford, NSW. After debuting for the Wheelchair RL’s Penrith Panthers he now plays for St George Dragons. He is a Dragons NRL fan and admires the game of NRL player Matt Dufty.
In his leisure time ‘Rick’ enjoys going for a push in the great outdoors, but adds “I like to watch many different sports on television and spend time doing outdoor activities – time with my kids or playing Wheelchair Basketball.” He also makes time to watch his favourite sitcom, Friends.
At one point after the 2013 World Cup Richard took a break from the game. He recalls, “I stopped playing after the 2013 World Cup because of health issues and thought I wouldn’t play league again”. Fortunately, after a five year break he was able to resume playing.
Richard says, “To be selected again feels amazing after five years away from the game.” He lists the key thing he looks forward to as “simply playing the World Cup”.