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England Wheelchair rugby league Dominates New South Wales in Tour opener
Sydney, Australia – October 24, 2025 – England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team commenced their highly anticipated tour of Australia with a resounding 86-10 victory against New South Wales on Wednesday. The match,held in Sydney,served as a powerful statement of intent ahead of their upcoming ashes series.
Hawkins Shines in Extraordinary Performance
Rob Hawkins, the reigning International Wheelchair Player of the Year, spearheaded England’s attack, scoring an impressive five tries in the second half. hawkins is aiming to cap off a remarkable 2025, having already secured a domestic treble with his club, Halifax Panthers-winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final titles.
Squad Depth on display
England Head Coach Tom Coyd strategically utilized his entire squad,granting each of the ten players approximately half a game of playing time. This approach saw five players feature in the first half, followed by a fresh five taking to the field in the second. England registered a total of fifteen tries throughout the fixture.
First-Half Firepower
Jack Brown, a teammate of Hawkins at Halifax Panthers, quickly established a strong presence, contributing three of england’s initial four tries. debutant Luis Domingos, team Captain Lewis King, and veteran player Wayne Boardman also added their names to the scoresheet before halftime.Boardman successfully converted five of these tries, further bolstering England’s lead.
Second-Half Surge and New Talent
The second half witnessed further contributions from a multitude of players. Finlay O’Neill, also a member of the victorious Halifax Panthers team, marked his debut with a noteworthy performance. Leeds player Nathan Collins showcased his versatility, accumulating 20 points from a try and eight conversions, while Joe Coyd and Seb Bechara each scored once.
Coaching Outlook
“Obviously,we’ve been combating jetlag and fatigue this week following the flight,” coach Tom Coyd explained after the match. “However, that underscored the significance of this match against New South Wales.We haven’t played as an England team for almost a year, since our Test match against France last November, so getting back on the pitch together was critical.”
Coyd also highlighted the positive impact of bringing new players into the fold. “It was fantastic to see Finlay O’Neill and Luis Domingos earn their first caps in England jerseys. I believe we’ll all feel prepared heading into Saturday’s training.”
Looking ahead: Fixtures on the Horizon
England will now shift their focus to their next challenge, facing Queensland on the Sunshine Coast next Monday. Following this, they will engage in two crucial Test matches against Australia on the Gold Coast, scheduled for October 30th and November 2nd.
| Player | Tries |
|---|---|
| Rob Hawkins | 5 |
| Jack Brown | 3 |
| Seb Bechara | 2 |
| Nathan Collins | 1 |
| joe Coyd | 1 |
| Luis Domingos | 1 |
| Lewis King | 1 |
| Wayne Boardman | 1 |
| Finlay O’Neill | 1 |
Did You Know? Wheelchair rugby league is one of the fastest-growing forms of the sport, offering a dynamic and inclusive pathway for athletes of all abilities.
What does this dominant victory signify for England’s chances in the upcoming Ashes series?
How important is squad rotation in managing player fatigue during a lengthy international tour?
The Rise of Wheelchair Rugby League
Wheelchair Rugby League has seen a meaningful surge in popularity globally in recent years.According to the Wheelchair Rugby League International federation,participation numbers have increased by over 30% in the last five years. This growth is attributed to increased visibility, inclusive programs, and the captivating athleticism displayed by these players. The sport continues to break down barriers and demonstrate the power of inclusivity in athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is wheelchair rugby league? It’s a full-contact team sport played on a specially designed court with players using wheelchairs.
- How does wheelchair rugby league differ from traditional rugby league? The main difference lies in the method of propulsion and the rules adapted for wheelchair users.
- Who is Rob Hawkins? Rob Hawkins is a leading player in wheelchair rugby league, recognized as the International Wheelchair Player of the Year.
- Where will the Ashes series take place? The upcoming Ashes series will be held in Australia, with matches scheduled on the Gold Coast.
- What is the significance of this win for England? This victory signifies a strong start to England’s tour and builds momentum for the challenging Ashes series ahead.
Share your thoughts on England’s impressive performance! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of their chances in the Ashes series.
