Wakefield Trinity Wildcats players Ben Cockayne and Danny Kirmond swapped the rugby field for the rugby court to sample some wheelchair rugby league.
The pair joined Featherstone Rovers Wheelchair Rugby League Club, part of disability sports group Wakefield Able2, to try out the sport at Featherstone Technology College.
And Wildcats skipper Kirmond, who is used to the rough and tumble of Super League, said he had full respect for those who play at the club.
“It was really tough and it put things into perspective a little bit,” he said. “I was a little bit down on myself after the game at Bradford but you see a few of the guys that are disabled and they’re going to the club and having a really good time and getting involved in sport.”
He added: “It’s brutal. You have tags on your shoulders you have to rip off but there’s quite a lot of contact chair to chair.
“I gave Ben a few lessons in it, our team dominated and it was the first time in my career I’ve ever been faster than a winger!”
“I burnt Benny a few times and I’ll definitely be going to try it again.”
The pair got involved after Cockayne met Rovers player James Lang through selling Herbalife nutrient products to boost his fitness.
Lang said: “I’d like to thank both Danny and Ben for taking time out to come and train with us, we had the best turnout in a long time.”
The sport is open to anyone wanting to try it out. Training takes place weekly on Monday from 7pm-8pm at Featherstone Technology College.
For more information e-mail James Lang at james-lang@hotmail.co.uk.
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