Wakefield Trinity physical disability rugby league players to take on Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium

Darren Dean and his Wakefield Trinity physical disability rugby league teammates have flown across the world to feature at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday.

DARREN Dean and his Wakefield Trinity physical disability rugby league teammates have flown across the world to feature at Cbus Super Stadium this Saturday.

Wakefield will take on the Gold Coast Titans’ own PDRL side as one of two curtain-raisers to their Round 19 derby against the Broncos; the other being a Deadly Choices Invitational match featuring former players of both NRL clubs.

The Titans have had a dreadful year at NRL level but have won fans with their commitment to the PDRL program and will put their players to the test against English opposition, who are halfway through a two-week stay.

“This week has just been amazing, we’re doing something different every single day,” Dean said at Dreamworld on Tuesday.

Players from the Wakefield Trinity physical disability rugby league team Darren Dean, Connor Lynes and Ben Nicholson on their visit to Dreamworld. Picture: Tim Marsden

“We’ve actually already had a training session with the Gold Coast Titans PDRL so we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday.”

The 38-year-old is delighted to be back playing the 13-a-side code after a 15-year break that followed his leukaemia diagnosis.

“I played at quite a high level when I was younger and then I got cancer when I was 19 and through that I had to have both of my hips replaced, which took rugby league away from me,” he said.

“(The PDRL game) means I can play rugby again so it is like my life has started all over again. It has been fantastic.”

Mitch Gleeson (right) at training for the Gold Coast Titans PDRL team. Picture: Jerad Williams

As for national pride being on the line in the Titans showdown: “As soon as you pull on a rugby jersey I think you want to win, whoever you’re playing, but it’s just about the inclusion of everyone being able to play.

“It’s not stopping anybody anymore now, whether you are physically disabled or you have got learning difficulties, it’s inclusive for everybody.”

Australia has made quite the impression on the Wakefield squad it seems.

“I was here about 15 years ago and fell in love with it back then – I’m still in love with it even more now. Me and the boys have been saying we would love to move out here,” Dean said.