The Sydney Roosters Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) have defied the odds to qualify for their first-ever Grand Final - and the chance to add to the Club's trophy cabinet.
Following an intense victory over Wests, the Tricolours will face South Sydney in the decider this Sunday at New Era Stadium at Cabramatta at 11:45 for the NSWPDRL Premiership.
Rylee Lowe, now in his fifth season in the Red, White and Blue, was thrilled to see his side qualify for their first decider since their inception into the competition following their five-match season.
“It was a good feeling, especially for me and the ones who have been there since day one,” Lowe said of the win over Wests.
I know how proud the Roosters are as a Club, and how historic they are, so to wear the jersey and possibly win a Grand Final as a Rooster and to be able to do it with a group of boys that I have with me at the moment is very special.
Rylee Lowe Sydney Roosters PDRL Captain
“It’s the first time the Roosters have made the Grand Final since the start of the competition - over the last three years it’s been improving each year.
“This year is definitely the pinnacle of it, making the Grand Final. They’ve been low-scoring games but we’ve held on and been in each one of them.
“We’ve improved each game as well, which is the best thing we could have hoped for.”
The Roosters' Captain was brimming with pride at the opportunity to lead his side to Premiership glory following three seasons at the helm.
After a tough and arduous season and off the back of their week-to-week growth throughout, their two victories were enough to secure a spot for the chance to add another trophy to the Club's brimming cabinet.
“It’s an extremely proud moment for me, we’ve been trying to build to this point over the last three years,” he said.
“I know how proud the Roosters are as a Club, and how historic they are, so to wear the jersey and possibly win a Grand Final as a Rooster and to be able to do it with a group of boys that I have with me at the moment is very special.
“I think we just need to stick to our gameplay and not think about the opposition too much. We’ve just got to stay within ourselves, complete our sets and get some points on the board.
“To finally get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final, it’s a very proud moment.”
After being selected in the Australian squad for the PDRL World Cup to be played in England in conjunction with both the Men's and Women's Rugby League World Cups, Lowe believes that the game's meteoric rise will continue through the near future.
“There’s been a huge development,” he said.
“We’ve had plenty of players come in to learn the game and develop their own skills, and have received plenty of help by a lot by new coaches coming in to develop those skills.
“The World Cup is at the end of the year and that’s a huge achievement for the PDRL itself and for the organisation.”
