NSW and QLD Wheelchair Rugby League Teams named for the 2019 Wheelchair Rugby League State of Origin

New South Wales and Queensland Wheelchair Rugby League have announced their representative players in the lead up to the 2019 Wheelchair Rugby League State of Origin to be held Saturday, 6th July 2019 at Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park, proudly supported by icare.

Billed as one of the biggest events on the Wheelchair Rugby League calendar, the interstate challenge will see the following representative players compete for their state in this physical and exciting clash.

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia would like to invite the general public to this free event to support the best representative players from Queensland and New South Wales, as they go head to head in this dynamic interstate battle.

The Wheelchair Rugby League State of Origin game will kick off at 3.00 pm. It will be preceded by a Redback versus Bluetongues Talent Showcase game.

Free tickets can be obtained from the Wheelchair Rugby League Eventbrite page:

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Joanne Ryan | Infodec Communications for Wheelchair Rugby League Australia | 0421 059 866

icare NSW Media Team | media@icare.nsw.gov.au | 0427 247 137

About Wheelchair Rugby League

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia (WRLA) originated from the founding of the New South Wales Wheelchair Rugby League Association, which was established in 2009 with the long term focus to make it a national sport.

WRLA introduced seasonal competition from 2010 which built awareness at all levels of the game including referees, players, coaches and administrators of the sport and provided opportunities for athletes with disabilities within the league.

Our vision is to be recognised as an inclusive sport for all communities, provide pathways for participants to represent their respective states and to contribute to making it a global sport.

About icare

Insurance and Care NSW (icare) protects, insures and cares for the people, businesses and assets of NSW.

We provide workers compensation insurance to more than 326,000 public and private sector employers in NSW and their 3.6 million employees. In addition, we insure builders and homeowners, provide treatment and care to people severely injured on NSW roads; and protect more than $193 billion of NSW Government assets, including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, schools and hospitals.

For more information, visit: www.icare.nsw.gov.au

How is Wheelchair Rugby League played?

This fast-paced game is played on an indoor court, about half the size of rugby league field. It follows a five-on-five format, using a rugby league football. A kick is achieved by a clenched fist and a tackle is achieved by removing a Velcro tag from the sleeve of an attacking player. The game can be played socially and there are defined player pathways to representative level.

The game allows up to 2 able-bodied athletes per team, meaning that members of families and mates can play alongside their siblings and friends.

Wheelchair Rugby League is an inclusive sport – a variation of the running game allowing athletes with disabilities to compete with and against able-bodied people. The emphasis is on the participation, health and wellbeing of individuals, personal performance, social interaction and self-esteem.

Wheelchair Rugby League aspires to provide an inclusive recreational activity and to promote fun, fitness and self-development while fostering good sportsmanship in a safe and positive environment.

Wheelchair Rugby League Ambassadors are Brett Kimmorley and James Tamou.