Wheelchair side take part in RDL Challenge Trophy this weekend

11/04/2024

Sheffield Eagles' Wheelchair Team return to competitive action this weekend in the RFL Challenge Trophy event which takes place at the National Basketball Performance Centre at Belle Vue in Manchester.

At last year’s event, played at the University of Hull, the Eagles finished second place and went on to contest the final in front of a bumper crowd against Gravesend Dynamite, losing 88-8 but winning the admiration for their never-say-die attitude on the day.

This year’s event sees a slightly different format, with semi-finals and a final also to be contested on the day. The two finalists will then progress to the Betfred Challenge Cup, with the winners then going on Leeds Rhinos and the runner-up will travel to London Roosters.

Head Coach Greg Brown has named a strong Eagles side to contest the event, with Chris Haynes set to return from illness after missing last weekend’s 4s Event, Steve Reilly, Joe Wink-Simmonds, Ben Simpson, James Birchnall and the family trio of Vicky, April and Will Brooks all set to feature.

The Eagles are drawn in a difficult group, with 2024 Championship Winners North Wales Crusaders and relegated Super League side Warrington Wolves joining Championship rivals Widnes Vikings (rebranded from Mersey Storm) and Hull Kingston Rovers.

“We learned a lot from last year’s tournament” commented Steve Reilly who will captain the side of the day. “This year we’re gained a lot more experience and with the 4s last weekend in the shorter games we learned to keep our cool and be patient – but not too patient with the clock against you. We’ll be aiming to get to the final as we did last year, but we’ll take each game as it comes on the day.”

Spectators are welcome at the event, with fans travelling to watch the men’s team at Swinton able to take in some of the wheelchair teams early games at Belle Vue.

Fixtures:

11.00 vs Hull KR

11.50 vs Warrington Wolves

14.05 vs North Wales Crusaders

14.55 vs Widnes Vikings

15.30 Semi Final

16.10 Final

Wheelchair squad for the weekend

James Birchnall - Sponsored by JNL Electrical

April Brooks - Sponsored by The Jagger Family

Vicky Brooks - Sponsored by The Jagger Family

Will Brooks - Sponsored by The Jagger Family

Chris Haynes - Sponsored by Horizon Roofing

Stephen Reilly - Sponsored by Dave Reilly School Of Motoring

Ben Simpson - Sponsored by Beam Dyslexia

Joe Wink-Simmonds - Sponsored by Addison Project PLC