Raiders Foundation Support ACT Quest for back to back National Titles

The ACT Wheelchair Rugby League team heads to the Gold Coast this weekend for the second annual National Championship boosted by the support of the Raiders Foundation. 

After a successful campaign last season, the ACT return to the Gold Coast looking to secure back-to-back titles, with CRRL Accreditation and Inclusion Officer Justin Oag stating the side is looking forward to the tournament.

"The squad are definitely looking forward to the trip and the tournament," Oag said. 

The introduction of a weekly competition with Urban Rec has seen two fresh faces join the side, joining the core of last year's title winning side. 

"We've got two debutants going with us this time and they are fresh off our local competition which is great to see."

"The core of the group is definitely looking to build on the form they are in at the moment with the large majority of them coming off successful seasons in the NSW competitions." 

The ACT team will once again be Captain Coached by NSW Representative Toby Popple, whilst Burns and Obrien are amongst some of the key players the Nation's Capital has been able to retain, whilst youngster Jai Comber expected to fire in his National Championship debut. 

"I'd be keeping an eye on Jai Comber, he has recently come off a successful NSW second division premiership and a City v Country debut, so he is definitely one for the future."

The Raiders Foundation has provided the side with funding to ensure they were able to travel to the tournament, highlighting it was a 'no brainer' to jump in and support. 

"When we were approached by the foundation supporting the ACT team it was a no brainer, to support the team in their trip up to Queensland for the National Championships it's part about what the foundation goes about supporting, it's not just about the elite, it's all about community and Rugby League," Raiders Foundation Manager, Paul Walshe said. 

"These young men who are heading north deserve all the support they can get from the foundation and the Rugby League Community." 

The Raiders Foundation have been loyal supporters of the Wheelchair Rugby League program for a number of years providing Chairs for players and are right behind the team in their quest for a second consecutive National Title. 

"We have supported the Rolling Raiders in the past through the purchase of Wheelchairs, and this is now a step forward to help the ACT team in the National Championships."

"We are right behind them, they will be carrying the Raiders green, and we look forward to a successful championship and bringing back the silverware."

This recent injection from the Raiders Foundation has insured players from all across the region can participate in Wheelchair Rugby League. 

"The support from the foundation speaks for itself it has been fantastic for a long period of time now, through the initial supply of wheelchairs to a number of our participants."

"More recently the injection that the foundation made has allowed a number of our regional participants from Wagga, Griffith and Albury to be able to join us on an ongoing basis."

The National Championships begin on Friday with the ACT to play pool games against Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, New Zealand and AFS.