Battle for the Betfred Wheelchair Super League crown begins this Sunday

The Betfred Wheelchair Super League will make a long-anticipated return this Sunday (16 June) with five teams ready to battle it out for the title in 2024.

Wigan Warriors were crowned Super League Champions for the first time in their short history with a thrilling win against Leeds Rhinos at the National Basketball Performance Centre last October.

In only their second season since bringing the Leyland Warriors team into the Wigan Warriors Foundation, Chris Greenhalgh delivered a masterclass against a Rhinos side who had won the League Leaders’ Shield and were aiming to make amends for a Grand Final defeat against Halifax Panthers in 2022.

The Warriors will begin their title defence with a trip to The Allam Sports Centre to face Hull FC on Sunday (KO 5.30pm). The Black & Whites enjoyed their finest season to date in 2023, with memorable wins over Halifax Panthers and London Roosters – but missed out on the play-offs by just two points. This time round Mike Swainger’s side will be looking to go one better by reaching the final four.

The Panthers host Leeds Rhinos in their opening fixture (KO 2pm) with Wayne Boardman looking for revenge following their defeat to Leeds in last season’s play-offs. 2023 Wheelchair Young Player of the Year, Josh Butler, scored an impressive five tries against the Panthers that day with captain, Jodie Boyd-Ward, crossing twice, alongside Tom Halliwell and Nathan Collins.

Meanwhile the strong southern contingent in the England Wheelchair squad, including head coach Tom Coyd MBE and his younger brother Joe, will return to action with London Roosters at home to Wigan Warriors at the University of Bedfordshire on Saturday 22 June (KO 2pm).

Each Super League team will face ten rounds of fixtures this year. The regular season will conclude on Saturday 14 September with the Grand Final taking place at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester on Sunday 13 October – and shown live on Sky Sports.

Betfred Wheelchair Super League opening fixtures:

Sunday 16 June

Hull FC v Wigan Warriors, The Allam Sports Centre, KO 5.30pm

Halifax Panthers v Leeds Rhinos, Sedbergh Sports Centre, KO 2pm

Saturday 22 June

London Roosters v Wigan Warriors, University of Bedfordshire KO 2pm

Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC, The Edge, KO 2pm

Fans can find all of the relevant information and kick-off times for these Round 1 fixtures here.