A ground-breaking Queensland competition for physically impaired people who love rugby league is encouraging interested players to sign up.
Injured servicemen, road accident sufferers, amputees and people with conditions such as cerebral palsy are among those being urged to join.
Intrust Super Cup clubs Ipswich, Souths Logan and Wynnum Manly are already on board with the Physical Disability Rugby League Queensland, established by non-profit group LeagueAbility.
A fourth team supported by the Gold Coast Titans will round out an initial four-team league.
Next Thursday, July 5, a special recruitment day will take place at 5.30pm-7.30pm at North Ipswich Reserve under the watchful eye of Ipswich Jets coaching staff.
LeagueAbility founder Kirsty McCall said the new league would be different to previous physical disability exhibition events, because the importance of club identity would be central to the cause.
"In the PDRL the participants will really belong to a club," Ms McCall said.
"If you play for Ipswich, then you're a Jet. If you play for Wynnum Manly, you're a Seagull. If you play for Souths Logan, you're a Magpie.
"This competition is perfect for someone who has wanted to be a club rugby league player, but because of circumstance or trepidation, hasn't had that opportunity.
"For someone who has potentially been through a traumatic experience, being part of a club set-up could do wonders for them."
The Physical Disability Rugby League component of this year's Commonwealth Championship at Redcliffe proved a huge hit, with amazing crowd support producing a spine-tingling atmosphere.
Ms McCall said she drew a lot of inspiration from the New South Wales Physical Disability Rugby League but would endeavour to make the Queensland one unique.
"I'm in contact with the NSW Rugby League and they have been helpful, but I'm also aware they use a few able-bodied people in their matches and it is mostly nine-a-side," she said.
"Those are areas where we will look to be a little different.
"We will adopt the red shorts policy, where some players wear different coloured shorts to indicate they are only to be touched, or will initiate the touch, in case they have a condition that makes full contact dangerous.
"Our competition will be open to anybody with an impairment who does not require a wheelchair or assisted aids that would make it dangerous to other participants.
"Players with prosthetics are able to play, following the necessary safety precautions."
Ms McCall said she had received "an incredible amount of support" from the Jets and it was fitting that the first recruitment day should be held at their venue.
As well as a chance to meet other participants and find out more information, next Thursday will also include a free barbecue, free t-shirt and an opportunity to mingle with the Jets.
