24 June is ‘Super Saturday’ for Rugby League in Manchester and Salford, when the twin cities play host to three events and three exciting variations of the game – Physical Disability, Wheelchair and Women’s Nines.
Manchester National Basketball Centre in Belle Vue is the venue for a festival of Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) from 10am. Eight teams will be taking part, including Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. Admission is free, with the action drawing to a close at 1pm.
Starting at 12noon on the same Belle Vue campus – again with free admission – is Wheelchair Magic, with six Betfred Wheelchair Super League sides going head-to-head in the indoor arena. The action gets underway with London Roosters against Wigan Warriors, followed by Hull FC versus Warrington Wolves at 2pm and league leaders Leeds Rhinos against Halifax Panthers at 4pm.
Roosters’ England stars Joe Coyd and Lewis King were hat-trick heroes when they last faced the Warriors, Warrington Wolves will be hoping to get off the mark against Hull FC, and reigning champions Halifax Panthers, featuring England internationals Rob Hawkins and Seb Bechara, will aim to close the gap on James Simpson’s unbeaten Rhinos.
Away from Belle Vue, Salford City Stadium will host the second Women’s Nines Finals, with York Valkyrie defending the inaugural title they lifted in 2022. It promises to be an action-packed day, with admission just £5 on the door to see some of the best players in the women’s game.
The Women’s Nines Finals kicks off at 10.45 with the Group A clash between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, followed by fixtures involving St Helens, Wigan Warriors, York Valkyrie and ‘wildcard’ entry Cardiff Demons. One team from each group will eliminated, leaving the remaining four to fight for a place in the final which kicks off at 2.50pm.
RFL Director of Participation, Marc Lovering, says: “On Super Saturday sports fans in Manchester and Salford can see just what make Rugby League one of the most inclusive sports in the world. Admission to the PDRL and Wheelchair events at Belle Vue is absolutely free, while the Women’s Nines Finals at Salford Stadium, featuring a host of international players, offers incredible value at just £5.
“Competitive Wheelchair Rugby League returns to Manchester for the first time since that memorable night at Manchester Central last November, when England defeated favourites France to win the World Cup, and several of the squad will be in action during the afternoon. And, of course, England were World Cup winners at Physical Disability Rugby League last Autumn and some of the squad will also be at Belle Vue.
“Super Saturday belongs to Manchester and Salford, but there’s also another variation of Rugby League on show in the capital on the same day, with the Try Tag British & Irish Cup competition at the King's House School Sports Ground in Chiswick. Try Tag Rugby is an extremely social, minimal contact version of Rugby League, and this all-day event offers free admission from 10am, plus bars, refreshments and entertainment late into the evening. Whether you’re in London, Manchester or Salford on Saturday 24 June, there’s plenty of Rugby League to enjoy.”
And if the prospect of a ‘Super Saturday’ isn’t enough, on the following day (Sunday 25) Salford Red Devils hope to attract a record crowd for the mouthwatering Betfred Super League clash against Wigan Warriors (KO 3pm). It’s also the club’s annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day, and alongside the Warriors fixture the Red Devils will offer a range of family-friendly activities and live music to keep fans entertained throughout the day. Tickets are available online now.
