Gladiators Triumph in Six Star Performance

Wheelchair Sports NSW played host to Round 2 of the Telstra National Wheelchair Rugby League (NWRL) at Kevin Betts Stadium, Rooty Hill, 30th May to 1st June. in what turned out to be an exciting weekend of sport, the NSW Gladiators came away with 6 wins from 6 stars and are leading the competition with 11 wins from 12 starts in the season so far. In doing so, the Gladiators extended their lead from New Zealand Development and Victoria Coloplast Thunder who both are tied in 2nd place with 8 wins thus far.

Each of the teams on show in the National League were littered with either Australian Wheelchair Rugby squad members (The Steelers) or the New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby squad members (The Wheelbacks). This ensured that the high standard of competition was maintained, as both countires look to continue their preparations for the Beijing Paralympic Games.

The Gladiators' star player, Ryley Batt dominated the weekend while on court, playing a key part in the 'home' team's success over the weekend. he had a large role in their attacking prowess while also contributing heavily to the team's defence. At 19, Batt wil be relied on heavily to produce the goods for the NSW Gladiators for Round 3 in Melbourne and for The Steelers in Beijing later this year.

Steelers take out Super Series

The Australian Steelers orchestrated an amazing upset victory to lift the 2008 International Wheelchair Rugby Super Series trophy.

The Australians upstaged hot favourites Canada 46-44 in a dramatic decider at the Aqualink, Box Hill, giving the Steelers a massive morale boost on their journey to the Beijing Paralympic Games in September.

With the Super Series trophy in his keeping, Australian coach Brad Dubberley was absolutely delighted with his team's performance throughout the four-day tournament and hopes it is a sign of things to come as the Steelers chase their second Paralympic Games medal. They won silver at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000.

"How could you not be ecstatic after a gutsy win like that", Dubberley said.

"We were behind but we fought hard the whole way. We had some calls go against us but the boys dug deep like they did all week and it was enough to get us home.

"Obviously, the way things are going, we are definitely looking at doing big things at the Paralympic Games, we showed how dangerous we can be.

"A win like that is huge for our confidence. To come from behind is hard regardless of the game, but in a final, it was a massive effort and a game that will do the boys wonders. Bring on the Paralympics".

Canada held a 12-11 advantage at quarter time, and after the Australians took a lead into both half-time and three-quarter time intervals, the classy Canadian outfit regained the lead in the fourt quarter to set the scene for a thrilling finale.

But inspired by some rousing support from their home fans, the Steelers showed immense grit and spirit in the closing stages to wrestle back the ascendancy.

The Super Series' most valuable player, Australia's Ryley Batt, was the difference in the final minute, scoring two vital goals to ensure the Super Series trophy remained on Australian shores.

While Batt did the bulk of the scoring, it was the whole-team effort that most pleased the Australian coach.

"Everyone played their part, the team spirit was amazing. Every player worked hard for each other and that's what makes us a hard team to beat," Dubberley said.

Greg Smith, Nazim Erdem, Scott Vitale and Cameron Carr also delivered superb performances in the final to seal the upset triumph. In the bronze medal match, Great Britain beat Japan 35-31.

The triumphant Australian team is:

Victoria: Bryce Alman, Shane Brand, Greg Smith, Nazim Erdem

NSW: Ryley Batt, Head Coach Brad Dubberley

QLD: Cameron Carr, Scott Vitale

SA: Steve Porter, Ryan Scott

WA: Grant Boxall, Team Manager Kim Ellwood