Wheelchair rugby league comes to Canberra

Wheelchair rugby league will be played in the nation's capital for the first time when an exhibition game involving Australian representatives will be played at the Institute of Sport on Saturday, January 18.

Members of the Wheelaroos will line up against each other in what will be an exciting match up to show case the emerging sport.

The Australian team finished in fourth place at this year's Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, in England.

The chairman of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, Laurie Lawira, said Canberra is a perfect place to show off the game given how much the area loves Rugby League.

"The Canberra Raiders have been big supporters of the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League competition, and it has always been our objective to bring our sport to them," Mr Lawira said.

"What better way than to have our best players compete in an exhibition game at the AIS."

Wheelchair rugby league allows people with a disability to play alongside and against able-bodied athletes.

"People are always surprised at how close wheelchair rugby league is to the running game – the similarities are very obvious, and the best thing is everyone can participate," Mr Lawira said.

The Raiders were runners up in last year's NSW competition and are currently second on this year's ladder.

http://www.nrl.com/