Hull FC Wheelchair head coach and captain Mike Swainger has looked ahead to the start of the new Betfred Wheelchair Super League campaign.
The Black & Whites kick off their new season on Sunday afternoon with a tough opening clash against reigning league champions Wigan Warriors at the University of Hull’s Allam Sports Centre (5.00pm).
The Airlie Birds enjoyed another season of progress in 2023, coming within two points of their first-ever play-off appearance in a year that enjoyed memorable wins over Halifax Panther and London Broncos.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Swainger said: “It’s been a long pre-season – with a new structure coming into place, the season would usually be well underway by now, but Sunday is the day we’ve been waiting for.
“With the longer pre-season, we have been working on various aspects of our game, mainly looking at our finish to the season last year and looking to push on in areas that needed strengthening – hopefully we can show what we’ve been working on against Wigan.
Swainger added: “There are five teams in Super League, all well equipped with international players. Qe we’re disappointed to not get play-offs last season – unfortunately we got beat by Wigan away from home by just 10 points.
“Wigan eventually went on to win the Grand Final, so we know what we’re capable of and we’re ready, but we are just taking it game by game improving each week.
“We’re eager to get off with a win this weekend, we want to show them what we can do, there is a little bit of rivalry there with Martin Norris who used to play for Wigan is now over here with us.
“However off the field, we appreciate all the guys who play the sport, but for us we want to get the win, and show the champions they are not going to get everything their own way.”
Swainger also praised teammate Tristan Norfolk, who recently received his first call-up to the England training squad.
“Tristan is a phenomenal athlete – he’s come on at such a quick rate with his effort and commitment and his dedication to the sport. He starts at minute one full intensity but carries it on till the full-time whistle.
“He is a good leader on the field, he expects the same from his teammates, he’s certainly one to push us forward and get us some wins on the board. It was no surprise for us that he was called up for Tristan to be called up for the England set up, and I’m sure he will bolster that England squad up and get his debut soon for the national team.”
Hull FC’s Wheelchair Reserves side take on the Warriors Wheelchair Reserves from 3.30pm on Sunday 16th June, before FC and Wigan’s senior Wheelchair sides face off at 5.00pm – both matches at the Allam Sports Centre are free entry.
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