War of the Roses in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final

The Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final will take place this Sunday when Leeds Rhinos face Wigan Warriors at the National Basketball Performance Centre (KO 5.30pm) – live on Sky Sports.

The Rhinos progressed to their second Grand Final in as many years through a stunning 55-44 defeat of rivals Halifax Panthers in the play-offs - it was sweet revenge for the Yorkshire side after losing to the reigning champions in the 2022 title decider.

Newly crowned Wheelchair Young Player of the Year, Josh Butler, scored an impressive five tries against the Panthers with captain, Jodie Boyd-Ward, crossing twice, alongside Tom Halliwell and Nathan Collins, who also kicked nine goals.

The Rhinos will face their Lancashire rivals in the epic finale and head coach, James Simpson, is excepting a tough battle on the pitch against some of his former England teammates. Speaking to Sky Sports News he said:

"I know them very well. I know they'll be geared up for this final. They'll really want it, they'll want to beat Leeds. These are two Super League clubs with rich histories, and that feeds into the wheelchair teams too.

"Because of that, we're also expecting a huge crowd - Leeds at one side, Wigan at the other, a very noisy atmosphere."

He added: "This isn't our first final. We've been in a lot of finals over the years, so we're ready for it.

"We can handle the big occasion and we want to go out there and put on a really good show for everyone who is watching.”

Wigan reached their second ever Grand Final through a shock 43-34 win over London Roosters with Dec Roberts in inspirational form and Jack Heggie crossing for a hattrick in their play-off fixture. Sunday’s fixture will represent a monumental achievement for the team having only formed in 2021.

Speaking after the game to club media, Head Coach, Chris Greenhalgh, said: “I’m immensely proud of the players, both today and last week, as to have a team in each Grand Final is an unbelievable achievement.”

The Wheelchair Championship Final will also take place on Sunday with Wigan Warriors ‘A’ taking on North Wales Crusaders at 2.30pm.

Supporters can both Grand Finals in Manchester, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and £2 for under 16’s. Tickets can be purchased online HERE. To book Accessible Seating, please email ticketing@rlcommercial.co.uk providing your name, contact details and seating requirements.