THREE men have each earned a call up to represent their country for the first time with a World Cup on the horizon next year.

Locally based Leeds Rhinos players Harvey Redmonds, Scott Gobin and Tommy Pouncey have all been named in the 24-man inaugural England Community Lions Physical Disability squad.

It comes following confirmation that there will be a PDRL tournament as part of next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Student Harvey, 18, of Bingley, had a stroke when he was born and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy down his left side at the age of two.

The disorder held Harvey back when it came to sport until he heard Leeds had formed a physical disability team.

The former Beckfoot School pupil said: "I went to the Leeds Rhinos and never looked back.

"There are a few players with CP around the circuit and I have seen how they have managed it.

"I want to showcase what PDRL is. I love the social aspect too. I have made friends for life.

"It would be a dream to play in the World Cup. The hard work starts now."

Scott Gobin, 29, who also plays for Drighlington A.R.L.F.C, was born with no lower right arm.

He has amazingly been playing the game since the age of five and joined Drig at 14.

Scott is into the third year of his Rhinos journey and hopes to feature at next year's big tournament.

He said: "I struggle with certain things but you find ways to adapt.

"At first it was difficult, kids at a younger age don't understand but as you get older it becomes easier.

"Both forms of the game give me the same enjoyment. No matter who plays the game, everyone runs hard.

"The aim is to get the final selection for the England camp in November next year. Playing for your country is a massive honour."

PDRL adopts the same basics as the full format but, at nine-a-side, pitches are brought in 10 metres to cope with the reduced numbers.

Big Bradford Bulls fan Tom had been playing rugby league for 20 years, featuring time at Eccleshill's Victoria Rangers, before he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 27.

PDRL has really helped the Calverley man process it all.

He said: "When I was diagnosed, it was awful. It flipped my life upside down. I went through a grieving process that lasted about a year.

"It was hard to process going from a rugby player to imaging a future where I could be using a wheelchair and struggling to eat by myself.

"I wanted to challenge and understand what disability is for me.

"I turned up (to Leeds) and realised my position in the team isn't just about me playing but helping others too.

"The social aspect is the best bit about it, I have now got 100 friends that are all disabled.

"I love the feeling in this team. I could go play Sunday rugby and be the disabled kid or I could be in this team and help other people to play and train."

Upon being called up, he added: "I spent three hours ringing around everybody I knew. I was over the moon because this is something I have wanted since the sport started."

The boys will meet up with the other 21 squad members and head coach Shaun Briscoe on December 5.