Macarthur’s George Tonna selected for Australian team in Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup
A beloved Macarthur local represented Australia at the 2000 Paralympics. Now, more than two decades on, the disability advocate will again represent his country on the international stage.
Macarthur
Don't miss out on the headlines from Macarthur. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Armed with a firm belief that a positive attitude can go a long way, one Macarthur disability advocate will once again play a beloved sport on the international stage.
Ingleburn resident and Camden’s Australia Day 2021 ambassador George Tonna has long been a vocal supporter of inclusion in sport, even starting four organisations with that purpose in mind.
Mr Tonna represented Australia at the 2000 Paralympic Games, as vice-captain of the Cerebral Palsy football squad, and helped lead his team to be the first Australian football team in history to win a game in the Paralympics, beating Holland 2-1.
In 2010, he formed the NSW Physical Disability Rugby League Association (NSW PDRLA), which gave players with disability a chance to get out there and enjoy the sport.
Now, nearly 22 years after representing his country at the Paralympics he will once again compete on the international stage after being selected for the upcoming Australian team in the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup.
Mr Tonna said despite being born with cerebral palsy, he has always firmly believed that “if you put your mind to something, anything is possible”.
“To make the team now at 48, I am quite humbled,” he said.
“It’s quite amazing to think I will have represented Australia in soccer and Australia in rugby league 22 years apart.
“I will be playing with some incredible players who have incredible stories to tell about their disabilities.”
The league founded by Mr Tonna has four teams including Newtown Jets, Sydney Roosters, South City Rabbitohs and West Tigers.
He hopes to see the competition continue to grow with more teams added to the draw.
“Whether it’s soccer, ping pong or rugby league it’s great to have opportunities for people with disabilities,” he said.
“I am the perfect example, we started with a club and then it went to state and now international. I am an older sportsperson, with a disability and I am about to go represent Australia in a tournament.”
The tournament will run alongside the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, which will see the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair events take place simultaneously in what is set to be the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.
As well as George Tonna, the Australian team comprises of Karel Dekker, Steve Hendry, Bryce Crane, Adam Hills, Hudson Wicks, Kane Ridgley, Kyle Lloyd, Harry Rodgers, Dean Clark, Dylan Jobson, Richard Muff, Peter Mitchell, Eddie Sharp, Rylee Lowe, Jonathan Smith, Fady Taiba, Geoff Clarke, Rylan Gaudron and Michael Baker.
“I’ve been blessed to be living in Australia with a disability and am grateful for the opportunities that Australia has given me,” Mr Tonna said.
“Like I keep saying, it really shows that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible.”
Brewer Shield reigning premiers defeated in major boilover
Gordon brushed aside the pain of an opening round loss to upset the reigning champions in round two of the NSW Women’s U18s Brewer Shield. See how all the action unfolded in our weekend wrap.
Super stats! Gun quartet, best teen rugby players in Australia
The numbers are in and a quartet of players stand out on the statistic sheet heading into round four of Super Rugby U16s and U19s. Leading points scorers, try scorers, tacklers and statistical stars here.