The Panania father of six, helped his Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup team, the Wheelaroos, make it all the way to the semi-finals in November losing to France, and was one of the four series finalists for the Golden Boot Wheelchair award.
As pre-cursor to the annual NSW-QLD match, in which he was co captain along with Brad Grove (his World Cup teammate), he led his team to a grand final win, 26-24, in early July in the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League club competition played at Menai Indoor Sports Centre.
This NSW Cup final was between the Parramatta Eels, captained by Diab, and the Wests Tigers, with Brad as skipper.
“It’s interesting because we played against each other that weekend, then played as captains together the following weekend, against Queensland,” Diab said.
Diab and Brad were also joint captains of the NSW Country team, which overwhelmed NSW City 70-15 at the Queanbeyan PCYC in May.
Playing rugby league up until 28, Diab said he’d been around wheelchairs all his life because of his brother Abdullah who has disabilities and has just been selected to play in the Powerchair Football World Cup in October.
“When a friend started wheelchair rugby league in 2010, he suggested I give it a go and as soon as I jumped in the chair, I loved it and have never looked back,” he said.
“Being selected as co-captain for the NSW Cup was such an honour and I feel it’s a blessing to be in the sport and doing so well with my team mates.
“Anyone can play wheelchair rugby league whether with disabilities or not, it’s great for fitness and heaps of fun.”
Find out more: nrlwheelchair.com.au.
