Lord Mayor's column: Let's get behind the Wheelaroos

Tomorrow night the Wheelaroos, Australia’s premier Wheelchair Rugby League team, will square off against defending champions England in the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2026.

And the best bit is, the action is unfolding in the heart of our city at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

This makes it super easy to pull on the green’n’gold after work, school or whatever else keeps you busy during the day and heading in to watch the game.

If you haven’t had the privilege of catching one of the wheelchair world cup matches, now is the time. This is a fast-paced and very physical sport, and I can say from experience, they are absolutely thrilling to watch.

I have been fortunate enough to meet with the players while they’ve been competing in Wollongong.

There is such a lovely family-friendly vibe to this tournament, and so many of the players have their loved ones in the stands cheering them on.

When they’re not competing, they’ve been out in the city catching the sites – including the new mural painted at the pedestrian crossing on Lower Crown Street where it meets Corrimal Street.

This work, Clash of the Titans by local artist Sam Hall was inspired by the athletes taking to the courts in this world cup, and it certainly has gained the attention of some of the international players including one member of the squad from Scotland who told me how much he loved it – and that it was the right height for photographs!

If you’ve got the time and opportunity tomorrow, (Tuesday 10 November) why not book a ticket (they’re $15 each for adults and $7.50 each for a family of 4) and head along to the WIN Entertainment Centre to see Australia in action against England?

For the price of one ticket, you get to watch both semi-final matches starting with France v Ireland at 5.15pm and England v Australia at 7.45pm.

It looks like they’re going to be super exciting matches and just the excuse we need to shake up your Tuesday night.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!! Go the Wheelaroos!!