History /

In 2019, the Rolling Raiders Wheelchair Rugby League program was launched after CRRL Chairman Gary Green and General Manager Mark Vergano set out to create a more inclusive version of the game.

Wheelchair Rugby League proved to be the perfect fit—it’s a sport that welcomes both people with disabilities and able-bodied players, where gender and age are no barriers to participation as everyone is competing in a wheelchair. The game itself closely mirrors traditional rugby league, which made it even more appealing.

At the same time, former NSW halfback and Queanbeyan-Monaro legend Steve Hewson was searching for a region to support the expansion of the sport. One Saturday morning at a kids' cricket match, Steve, Gary, and Mark discussed the idea, and from there, the CRRL made a commitment to develop a wheelchair rugby league program. Steve, who had coached the Australian Wheelaroos, agreed to help bring the program to life.

With a $25,000 grant from the ACT Government, the CRRL purchased 12 specialised sporting wheelchairs. The PCYC in Queanbeyan became the program’s home base, and the first recruits were introduced to the sport. However, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused the program’s growth.

Once restrictions lifted, the CRRL not only revitalised the program in Canberra but also expanded its reach to regional areas, including Wagga Wagga, Griffith, and Bathurst. The program has also received generous support from Entice Travel, whose contribution helped purchase a specialised trailer to transport chairs and equipment.

Jen Pilosio and Anthony McQueen, two dedicated CRRL staff members, took charge of growing the program and increasing participation. The CRRL has since hosted two City vs Country matches and, in 2021, was honored with the Sports Minister’s Award for Inclusion, recognising its significant impact on the community."