NSW Origin stars, True Blue Tom Trbojevic and Sky Blue Corban Baxter, have added their voices to the call for a special All-Abilities round in the NRL and NSWRL competition in 2023.
Trbojevic and Baxter were among a host of first grade players who came to the Ignite HQ Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park for a Rugby League activities day hosted by the What Ability Foundation, the NRL, and NSWRL.
What Ability CEO Steve Dresler said he was in discussion with the NRL about a weekend round next season being dedicated to the 4.4 million people in Australia who have a disability. The NSWRL also supports the concept across its competitions.
“The goal for all of us should be to create an inclusive Australia and sport has the power to do that,” Dresler said.
“To have an All-Ability Round in the NRL would be the perfect way to help achieve it.”
Trbojevic and Baxter, who mixed with the 120 participants, their carers and families while helping out with some games and Rugby League drills, could not agree more.
“Disability affects so many people across Australia so to have an NRL round where people with a disability can run a ball out before each game, or have ball boys and ball girls on the sidelines, would mean so much,” Trbojevic said.
“It would give the disability community the recognition and awareness they deserve.”
Baxter said: “We have some really special rounds in the NRL already like the Indigenous, and Beanies for Brain Cancer, so this is that missing link.
“People with a disability need to know they are valued members of society – their own NRL round would be awesome.”
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the What Ability activities day allowed people to see and experience where the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues and Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues teams trained.
“Giving them access to our facility, letting them have some fun and games together with some of the top players in our game, and seeing the joy on their faces is exactly what we should be doing,” Trodden said.
“We pride ourselves on being the game for all and it is really important that we continue to find ways to make our game as inclusive as it can be, in addition to what we already offer with wheelchair, physical disabilities and push-and-power Rugby League programs.
“What Ability days like this do just that and help to break down any barriers or challenges that people living with a disability have when trying to experience Rugby League in any way, shape or form.
“If next year we could the disability message across the whole of the game, through an All-Ability Round, then that would be fantastic.
“It would emphasise how sincere Rugby League is in being all-inclusive.”
Trbojevic hoisted fans up into his arms for pictures, threw passes to “teammates” and helped sort kicking tees for would-be goal kickers – all proving his left shoulder has responded well after he dislocated it in Round 11 playing for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
“It’s on track – rehab is going well – but it is a long process,” said the 25-year-old, who was ruled out of the Ampol State of Origin series and November’s World Cup because of the injury.
“I’m determined to see it through because I can’t wait to play footy again.”
