Reality television is rarely seen as inspiring or uplifting, but that is one of many opinions set to change on Sunday night when the ABC’s Compass program airs it special “Leagueability” documentary about the Gold Coast Titans Physical Disabilities Rugby League team.
“Leagueability” follows the story of the Titans PDRL team’s creation, a vision started by team captain Terry Litton to give a special group of young men the chance to live a dream most thought beyond them – playing rugby league in a team of their own.
This heart-warming, behind-the-scenes documentary explores the team’s creation leading up to their first game together, and the extraordinary men and their proud families who now call themselves Titans.
The PDRL team was officially welcomed into the Titans family earlier this year – firstly with the presentation of the team at the club’s season launch, and again in April when they were presented with their playing kit by the team’s major sponsor, Condev Cares.
Every player that makes their debut for the Titans is celebrated with a special ceremony, welcoming them to their place in the club’s history.
The PDRL team was no different, receiving their jerseys in a special presentation before they played an exhibition game against a Gold Coast legends team at Cbus Super Stadium on Easter Sunday – a game they won 16-4.
The spirit, passion, resilience and sheer joy displayed by the team in “Leagueability” shows how a shared love of the game and the unstoppable dedication of the people around them can help “the Greatest Game of All” become “the Greatest Game FOR All”.
The passion and commitment of the players, combined with the dedication of Gold Coast Titans staff headed by Community and Game Development Manager Renee Cohen and PDRL Team Manager Callum Mitchener, has seen Litton’s dream of a Titans PDRL team not only materialise, but be celebrated by Compass and the ABC.
Titans Executive Chairman Dennis Watt said the Titans PDRL team deserved their success, and were an inspiration to the club and the entire community.
“Rugby league is a tough game,” Watt said. “It takes great courage to cross that white line. It is even more courageous when you have come from backgrounds like these guys here, who have had to overcome enormous disadvantages to pull on those Titans colours.
“There is a lot to be grateful for here. We are an inclusive club, and rugby league doesn’t leave anyone behind.
“Rugby League looks after its own, and these are our people, our colleagues, our players.”
“Leagueability”
Compass, ABC TV
Sunday, 26 May, 6.30pm
