England Defends Wheelchair Rugby League Title in Australia

England's wheelchair rugby league champions are heading back to Australia with unfinished business and a trophy to defend.

The defending World Cup winners announced their 10-player squad this week, featuring five athletes who helped clinch that dramatic 2022 victory over France in Manchester. Rob Hawkins, who topped this season's Wheelchair Super League with an incredible 70 tries, scored four more in Sunday's Grand Final as Halifax Panthers crushed Leeds Rhinos 64-24 to complete a domestic treble.

Hawkins won't be traveling alone. His Halifax teammates Jack Brown and Finlay O'Neill join the squad, with Brown bringing serious momentum after netting six tries in Sunday's championship match.

Captain Lewis King returns to lead England down under, alongside fellow 2022 champions Joe Coyd and Nathan Collins. The roster rounds out with Collins' Leeds teammate Tristan Norfolk, London Roosters' Mason Billington, and Sheffield Eagles duo Luis Domingos and Chris Haynes.

England faces Wales on October 30 to kick off their tournament, followed by matches against the USA and Ireland in early November. All wheelchair matches take place at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, running alongside the men's and women's World Cup tournaments.

Head coach Tom Coyd, who guided England to their 2022 triumph, praised his players' dedication. "Every player understands what it means to wear the England shirt and the responsibility that comes with it," he said after watching Sunday's thrilling Grand Final.

Why This Inspires

Wheelchair rugby league continues gaining global recognition, and England's success story shows exactly why. These athletes balance intense training with regular jobs and personal challenges, yet they compete at world-class levels that would humble many able-bodied sports fans.

The squad's mix of returning champions and fresh talent demonstrates the sport's growing depth in England. Hawkins' 70-try season isn't just impressive, it's historic, proving wheelchair rugby league delivers the same athletic excellence and competitive fire as any sport.

Their 2022 World Cup final against France captivated audiences worldwide, introducing millions to wheelchair rugby league's speed, strategy, and sheer intensity.

England's journey to defend their crown begins when they fly to Australia on October 22, carrying the hopes of a community that's fought hard for recognition and respect.