News

Posted: Wednesday 7th July 2021

Tigers PDRL captain on the road to Wembley!

Castleford Tigers’ Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) captain Nick Kennedy has decided that he will cycle a staggering 210 miles to Wembley, in time for Cas’ Challenge Cup final to raise money for all the current PDRL teams.

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Nick has planned to set off from The Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Wednesday 14th July, cycling ninety miles down to Grantham on his first stop, then a further 70 miles to Bedford on the Thursday, and finally hitting the outskirts of Wembley on Friday where Nick will stay overnight for the Challenge Cup final the following day.

Speaking about his ride to castlefordtigers.com, Nick said: “I’ve been wanting to do something as a bit of a challenge and try to raise some money for the different PDRL teams. When Cas got to the final, I always had it in mind as we were doing well in the cup and thought that it was doable over a few days.

“It’s definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever tackled so it should be interesting.”

Nick will be raising money for all PDRL teams that currently compete in the competition. This includes Castleford Tigers, Clock Face Miners (St Helens), Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wire, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. The PDRL captain expressed why sharing the funds amongst other clubs was so important to him.

“It’s been such a fantastic opportunity for everybody that plays across the whole board - each player has such a great story. For mental health and disabilities, the ability to get out and play a competitive sport, which most of them never thought they’d be able to do is amazing.

“Without the other teams we wouldn’t have a league. The opportunities that the PDRL variant brings for people who thought they would never play rugby has just blown me away. I want to see the sport across the country grow.”

After hearing about PDRL through word-of-mouth, Nick proudly joined the Cas team in 2019, and in that same year, undertook a charitable walk from Castleford to Liverpool for the Magic Weekend. Nick’s commitment to raising the sports profile was motivated by a memory that he will never forget.

“A lad named Keenan who plays for us is just about the most die-hard Cas fan you would ever come across. Keenan has quite severe cerebral palsy and never thought he’d be able to play rugby league.

“During a match, I ran the ball in but managed to pass the ball to him to score. His face and how much it meant to him was an honour to be part of. It meant the world to me.

“The more players and teams we can get involved; the more likelihood people can have these kinds of opportunities. It can be life changing.”

Nick has set up a Just Giving page and will be accepting donations through the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cycletowembleyPDRL

For more information on how to get involved within the PDRL team, contact Mat Lancaster by emailing matlancaster@castigers.com.