Over the weekend, McKay Stadium in Whangārei came alive with energy, excitement and some serious wheels in motion as locals gathered for a special Wheelchair Rugby League ‘Have a Go’ Day.

The event, aimed at introducing people to the fast-paced and inclusive sport of wheelchair rugby league, was a huge success — with athletes and supporters alike rolling in from Auckland and beyond to be part of the action.

Thanks to the incredible support of Parafed Northland, Disability Auckland, and the Warriors Community Foundation, the day was a celebration of sport, community, and opportunity. Their backing made it possible to run a range of drills and mini games that gave participants a real taste of the game — from defensive mapping to play-the-ball techniques, and even competitive 3v2 and 2v1 drills.

The enthusiasm was infectious, and the learning curve was steep in the best way. For many, it was their first time being introduced to wheelchair rugby league, but the determination and teamwork on display made it feel like anything but a beginner session.

A highlight of the day was seeing Jamie Tapp, Northland’s own dual international athlete, come in with some of his teammates from the Northland Wheelchair Basketball team to give the sport a go. Their presence brought even more buzz to the day and gave others a great example of athleticism and community leadership.

All in all, it was an awesome day — full of laughs, learning, and laying down the groundwork for what looks to be a promising future for wheelchair rugby league in Northland.

A huge thank you to Ange Wiki from Parafed Northland and Natasha Barber from Disability Sport Auckland for your work in bringing together an incredible day!

Article added: Tuesday 20 May 2025