Boots and banter: The camaraderie of Physical Disability Rugby League

Ever since I was young, I always imagined playing sports, but I was nervous about how kids would react or treat me on the field.

I played rugby in primary school with my little brother, but I was usually a reserve on the bench. I only scored a total of 20 runs a year, five passes and one try in my three-year career.

After thoughtful discussions with my family, I medically retired at age 10 because of the risk of injury. But I quickly pivoted my focus to film and found my passion.

Then, a few years ago, I was introduced to the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and watched the national team Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa as they played Australia for the first time at Go Media Stadium in Tāmaki Makaurau.

The sport is a modified version of rugby league for people with disabilities, primarily those with physical disabilities. It combines full-contact, partial-contact and touch rules to suit players' different abilities.

In February this year, I decided to try it out myself and signed up for my first season, hoping to play and find joy in sports again.

Training was pretty difficult at the beginning, especially getting familiar with the rules and finding chemistry with the team.

Each weekly training session, I learned something new about myself and my skills. Importantly, I found joy with fellow players and my coaches and the team culture they had built.

Team member Zachar (Zac) Tagomoa-Timo has represented Aotearoa at the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup.

Zac, who is Samoan, plays in the middle and is a tackle machine on the field. He was a part of the original lineup when the team was created.

After being bullied at a young age for his disability, finding PDRL has helped boost his self-confidence.

“The best part of being part of this team is that everyone shares a common goal of wanting to overcome the barrier of being perceived as inadequate members of society. Everyone in this team has mana to put on display when being in this space.”

“The joyful thing is knowing that every team member is treated with respect and allowed to contribute to good moments.”

He says that playing in front of family at different stadiums across Aotearoa brings him absolute joy.

Zac also loves the vibe within the team and the culture they have created.

“Everyone has a shared experience regarding their physical disability. As for team banter, we just love to be cheeky and tell a joke to laugh. Just like any rugby league club would, it's healthy to have a good laugh while putting in that mahi with your teammates.”

Another original player in the team is Mathew Williams. He helped set up the team in 2015. “I believe giving anything a go, especially if you can’t play able-bodied sport. It’s great for character building.”

Mathew, whose position in the team is dummy half, loves the camaraderie.

“The best part is being able to play with a team that has a physical disability and can enjoy the sport we all love and not being judged.”

“I would say the coach has helped me a lot to be the player I am today. The vibe with the squad is awesome and I enjoy the banter too.”

Some of his sporting highlights include playing in the first-ever PDRL World Cup in England in 2022 and playing in the Campbell Cups every year.

At the last PDRL World Cup in 2022, the New Zealand team finished second. This year, the team is looking to improve their game, and win the cup.

This past Sunday, the team had its first of many local games in New Lynn, with two teams chosen at random within the squad battling against each other.

On the field, there was heaps of disability banter and team jokes about mistakes and knock-ons, as well as support, feedback and encouragement from everyone to keep going.

It was a beautiful day with sun out and heaps of supporters showed up to watch the players give it their all in a 13-all draw at full time.

The team has a full schedule ahead of games, travelling up north and preparing for the World Cup in Australia in November.

To find out more about how to sign up for the team, visit their website or follow the team on Facebook.