The History of Physical Disability Rugby League
2010 – 2018
Physical Disability Rugby League was established in NSW to empower people with physical disabilities to play rugby league, promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality. An annual competition began at Cabramatta Rugby League Club, featuring four proud clubs: South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and Newtown Jets. With around 70 members, the association focused on participation, coaching, and volunteers.
2018 – 2022
The Gold Coast Titans PDRL program launched in 2018, running full seasons of training and matches and engaging over 60 players within five years. In 2022, NSW and Titans PDRL players featured together as a curtain-raiser to the Titans v Broncos NRL fixture — a major milestone for inclusivity.
2022 – 2024
PDRL reached the global stage at the 2022 PDRL World Cup, with NSW and Titans athletes joining four other nations in competition. Building on this momentum, the squad prepared for their first international test match in New Zealand, demonstrating the sport’s rapid growth and competitiveness.
PDRL Premiers & Runners-Up (2012–2025)
| Year | Premiers | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Northern Sydney Pirates | Southern Sydney Cavaliers |
| 2013 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Manly Sea Eagles |
| 2014 | Sydney Roosters | Newtown Jets |
| 2015 | Manly Sea Eagles | Newtown Jets |
| 2016 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Manly Sea Eagles |
| 2017 | Newtown Jets | Manly Sea Eagles |
| 2018 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Wests Tigers |
| 2019 | Newtown Jets | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| 2020 | — Season not played (COVID) — | |
| 2021 | — Season not played (COVID) — | |
| 2022 | Sydney Roosters | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| 2023 | Newtown Jets | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| 2024 | Newtown Jets | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| 2025 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Sydney Roosters |
