A host of international players will return to Medway Park next month for the climax of the domestic wheelchair rugby league season.
The official home of England Wheelchair Rugby League is once again proud to be hosting the Premier League Grand Final on Saturday, 22 September – and tickets are now on sale.
The Grand Final will see Premier League winners Halifax taking on the Leeds Rhinos in a winner-takes-all clash.
The match will feature a host of world class players, including many England players who may form part of the national squad which is currently building towards the 2021 Rugby League World Cup which is being held in England. Medway Council, alongside 80 other areas, has applied to be a host venue for the Rugby League World Cup wheelchair competition in 2021 and has gotten through to the second stage of the bidding process. Medway hosted the event in 2013.
This year’s event will also feature a new Minor Premiers Festival. This is a new event which will allow players from the South League, Championship and Championship 1 league winners test themselves in some short games in the big arena in front of good crowd and excellent atmosphere.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the home of England Wheelchair Rugby League, and to continue to play a key role in raising the profile of the sport. This year’s Grand Final has particular significance for us this year as we have got through the second stage of the bidding process to be a host venue for the Rugby League World Cup wheelchair competition in 2021. Medway Park has hosted a range of international competitions and I would encourage residents to come along and watch international players compete on their doorstep.”
Mick Heptinstall from the Rugby Football League said: “The RFL are delighted to have the chance once again to bring the 2018 Wheelchair Grand Final back to Medway where we are always welcomed and can give both players and spectators the big game experience in a venue fitting of our Grand Final.
“The new Minor Premier festival will also allow the England coaching staff games to watch any new or improving players that may push themselves into contention for representative honours.”
Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2 for children or a family ticket (two adults and up to four children) costs £12. To book call 01634 336655 or visit www.medway.gov.uk/sport. Tickets will also be available on the door. Tickets are valid for the Minor Premiers Festival and the Grand Final match, which begins at 6pm.