Sydney Roosters have been crowned premiers of the Physical Disability Rugby League Association (PDRLA) after a gritty 14-6 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Grand Final at Cabramatta Leagues Club on Sunday.
The Roosters turned in a strong team performance, with captain Rylee Lowe leading from the front and rookie Hayden Coulton and Player of the Match Bryce Crane providing great support.
The Roosters took a 10-6 lead into the break after Crane scored a runaway try, showing great pace to step and swerve his way past the opposition before diving over next to the posts.
There was little between the two sides in the second half, with the result not being decided until Crane grabbed his second try of the day on the bell.
The Rabbitohs were gallant in defeat and also turned in a spirited performance, with George Tonna grabbing a try and Peter Mitchell, Jake Vukobratovich and Jono Smith pushing the Roosters all the way.
There was a nice touch after the match had finished with veteran prop Gary Kingi, who suffered a season-ending injury in Round 5 but cheered his teammates on to the victory from the sidelines, joining them on the field for the post-match celebrations.
Earlier in the day, the Wests Tigers defeated the Newtown Jets 38-16 in a match between the third and fourth-placed teams.
The PDRLA later thanked the NRL, NSWRL, NOVA Employment, EML, iCare, Harvey Norman for their ongoing support. It is the first time the PDRLA have been able to complete a season since the COVID-19 pandemic struck three years ago.
PHYSICAL DISABILITY RUGBY LEAGUE ASSOCIATION GRAND FINAL
Sydney Roosters 14 (Bryce Crane 2, Rylee Lowe tries; Crane 2 goals) South Sydney Rabbitohs 6 (George Tonna Try, Rylan Gaudron goal) at Cabramatta Leagues Club on Sunday 25 September.
