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Historic trans-Tasman PDRL Test the start of something bigger

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 2 Nov 2024, 06:30 AM

New Zealand’s Physical Disability Rugby League team are hoping their inaugural home Test against Australia at Go Media Stadium is the first step towards another shot at World Cup glory.

The Kiwis made the final of the PDRL World Cup in England in 2022 but lost to the host nation and are aiming to go one better if the tournament is held again, alongside RLWC2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The World Cup was the first time New Zealand and Australia had met in Physical Disability Rugby League, with the Kiwis (Whaikaha) triumphing 34-26, and the teams will play again in Auckland on November 2.

England celebrate their World Cup final defeat of New Zealand. ©Getty Images

“We played at the World Cup, that was the first time we had played under international rules and this will be the first time on home soil,” New Zealand team manager Sandra Hickey said.

“It was a marvellous event and there is a proposal being put forward for the 2026 World Cup, which is exciting for our game.”

The historic trans-Tasman clash will be played as a curtain raiser to the Kiwis v Tonga Pacific Championships match at Go Media Stadium, giving fans a showcase of the multiple forms of the game.

Hickey said the players were excited for the opportunity to share the same field as the Kiwis and Tongan men, as well as the Fetu Samoa and Fiji Bulikula women, who are playing for a World Cup berth.

“One of our boys has repeatedly stated, and he was born with a disability, that he grew up watching his idols like Shaun Johnson play on Go Media Stadium and never, ever dreamed he would be chosen to play on that field," Hickey said.

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“He is still pinching himself over that reality, but they are all so excited.

“It means a lot to them, and we have never played at home before either, so it is such an honour and a privilege for them to play in front of their families and supporters, and everyone who has helped them on their journey.”

The trans-Tasman PDRL Test kicks off at 3.25pm NZT (1.25pm AEST)