Positions at this year’s Premier Touch Rugby League (PTRL) Finals Day have been confirmed following a successful qualifying event in Hull.
Seven teams competed in a round robin tournament to determine who they will face on Finals Day at Robin Park Arena on Sunday 25 August. Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and Hull KR all returned for a second year with Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards both taking part for the first time.
The top four qualifiers from the event in Hull will play each other in the PTRL Cup with those remaining playing in the PTRL Trophy competition.
The Leopards made a strong debut having progressed into the Cup whilst Bradford secured their place in the knockouts for the Trophy.
The day had several standout fixtures, including the Round 7 clash between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC - the Warriors defeated Hull 14-8 to confirm their fourth-place finish. Warrington Wolves were the top qualifier following their 0-14 win against reigning champions Wakefield Trinity, who ended the day in second place.
Wakefield delivered the biggest win margin of the day following their 28-0 win against Bradford Bulls, with Hull KR and Leigh facing off in a nail biting 18-16 thriller which ended in the Leopards favour.
The qualifying event also saw a new points scoring system that rewards teams promoting equal playing opportunities for all gender identities. Armbands identify players worth 6 points instead of 4 points, the maximum number allowed per team is three and the minimum one.
When a team has two armbands or more there must be at least one woman and one man wearing the armband. The armband must not be swapped between players during games; however, teams can swap which player wears it in between rounds. Players who are trans and non-binary are able to self-identify and play in the category that they feel most aligns with their identity.
New Try Scoring Points System:
Tries are worth 4 points unless a player is wearing a “6-point armband”.
Zero women selected in the squad = One Armband
One or two women selected in the squad = Two Armbands
Three or more women selected in the squad = Three Armbands
RFL Social Officer, Bradley Kelk, said:
“I would like to thank Hull FC’s Foundation who were heavily involved throughout the whole process, from the initial idea to host a PTRL event in Hull to making the event a reality and in turn a huge success!
"Finally, I would like to give a special mention to our volunteers Ewen, Maia, Nicky, Richard & Sean who gave their time to support the PTRL Hull event performing various roles throughout the day."
Leigh Leopards Foundation Programs Director, Hannah Forbes, also explained:
“The Leigh Leopards absolutely loved the Premier Touch Rugby League qualifier and can’t wait for the finals day in Wigan!”
Much like last year, PTRL Finals Day will be the showcase event in the Touch Rugby League calendar in 2024. More information about Touch Rugby League can be found here.
