The Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre at UCLAN, Preston hosted the opening event of the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby League Season when sixteen teams converged in West Lancashire for the annual; and traditional 4s completion.
Teams are reduced from five to four-a-side and play twenty minutes, one way in a fast, frantic and fun competition aimed at giving teams a pre-season hit out and as much game time as possible. The morning session featured eleven teams from the Betfred Championship, travelling tune length and breadth of England to participate.
Woodlands Warriors came from Kent and competed with the powerhouses of Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Widnes Vikings and Sheffield Eagles. It was wonderful to see the famous names of Hull Kingston Rovers and Salford Red Devils making their first appearances in the Wheelchair game and enjoying success on the playing field.
The afternoon session so the tempo and intensity increase as the Betfred Super League teams entreated the arena and fired the opening salvos of the year. Defending champions Halifax Panthers looked ominous and intend to be at the top again in 23. Wigan Warriors will make them work hard and clearly showed their intent with fierce performances against those who might challenge the established order.
Hull FC, Warrington Wolves and London Roosters used the competition as an opportunity to give everyone a run and, in some cases, taste the high octane Super League game fro the first time.
All is set fair for Round One of the Betfred Wheelchair RL Super League next week in Gillingham, Wigan and Warrington
Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club 