Reasons to Love RL: Kaye on PDRL World Cup dream plus BurrowSeven

Owen Lockwood

Photo credit: Sigmund Kasatkin

In this brand new feature we take a look at five reasons to “Love Rugby League” this week.

BurrowSeven fundraiser

Last week, the Rugby League world witnessed the launch of the BurrowSeven race horse, which will take the track in the new year, with all prize money going towards the Motor-Neurone Disease Association.

It is a unique fundraising opportunity which gives people the thrill of owning a racehorse whilst raising vital funds for research into the disease.

The exclusive Burrow Seven Racing Club costs £59 to join and allows participants lots of BurrowSeven exclusives.

Burrow said: “I’m really honoured to have him named after me and I can’t wait to see him in his first race. Thank you to everyone who supports the MND Association by taking part. Research is the key to cure this disease. Together we can do it.”

PDRL World Cup Announced

The RLWC 2021 have recently announced the Physical Disability World Cup, as part of the wider programme of the international tournament, reinforcing the pledge of the event being the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.

The teams competing include Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales – with the game set to take place in Warrington and the final being played before the France V Samoa game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

One player has staken his claim for a call-up to the international side in the form of Leeds Rhinos PDRL player Tom Kaye, brother of Batley Bulldogs player Ben Kaye.

Kaye, 30, was diagnosed with a stoma at a young age and has since gone on to do valuable work alongside the charity Colostomy UK alongside playing for the charity’s very own Rugby League team. He then found the sport of PDRL and has been participating for the past year.

He said: “It is an honour in any sport, at any level, to represent your country. It is a life achievement and not one that any PDRL player would have ever dreamed would happen.

“Many players from across the league are getting chances to lace up their boots and play the game they love and there is nothing better than taking part in that.”

Tom’s brother Ben, has represented England at U16 level and previously played for Leeds, Harlequins RL, Featherstone and Halifax.

Photo credit: Sigmund Kasatkin

The Leeds Rhinos PDRL stalwart has said he wants to achieve some of the same accolades his brother has and the Physical Disability Rugby League programme has allowed him to do just that.

“My brother has achieved a lot on the field in his career and I would like to do the same, I never thought I would be able to play for Leeds but the PDRL programme has granted me the opportunity to do just that.” Said Kaye.

“I want to put myself in the mix for and England spot however I will have to earn that right and will be coming up against some quality opposition in the regular season next year.

“The Rhinos PDRL side have some excellent players and collectively we know that if we train hard and play even harder in the lead up to selection that any one of us will have a chance of pulling on a jersey.”

Teams in contention for Super League spot

Something exciting for fans of the sport in both Super League and Championship will be finding out who will take on the role of the 12th team in the top flight for 2021.

Bradford, Featherstone, Leigh, London, Toulouse and York are all bidding to make it, after the criteria in order for them to be in with a chance of promotion to Super League for 2021 was published.

Wigan bolster squad with signings

It was a busy week of positive news at Wigan, who announced that Jai Field would be joining the Warriors from Parramatta next season. That was followed by the news that Jackson Hastings had signed a new deal for 2021. With Bevan French also agreeing to stay and the signing of John Bateman, Wigan fans have plenty to look forward to for next year.

Trinity partner with Hummel

Wakefield Trinity have announced this week that Hummel will supply their playing kit and training apparel for the 2021 season. Hummel are a major sports retailer supplying the likes of the England National Team and the GB Lions.

Trinity fans seem to be pretty positive about Wakefield’s choice to part with ISC, who had been the clubs principal kit suppliers for a number of years, with one fan stating on social media: “No-one does sportswear better than Hummel.”

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