Rugby league's Wheelaroos to take on the world in Wollongong
Wollongong Entertainment Centre will host every game of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup over 15 action-packed days from October 31
Wollongong will host every game of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup over 15 action-packed days later this year.
Fans of league and the emerging para-sport will be spoiled for choice as the Australian side – the Wheelaroos – battle to get past pool B rivals France, Scotland and New Zealand for a crack at the ultimate prize. All games will be at Wollongong Entertainment Centre.
Code advocate and Bulli resident Steve Hewson said the tournament presented a golden opportunity for supporters to witness the growing buzz around wheelchair rugby league.
''All the world's top teams will be here – what a perfect chance to see Australia's best and get along and support them,'' he said.
On the other side of the draw, Ireland, the USA, England and Wales will make up pool A as the eight nations play 12 pool matches for the first nine days before the semi-final (top two teams from each pool) and then the final.
Australia open the tournament on October 31 against New Zealand, with further matches on November 3 (Scotland) and November 6 (France).
Granting all matches to Wollongong indicates acknowledgement that participation and interest is climbing in the Illawarra.
Head coach Brett Clark and the Wheelaroos are looking forward to taking on France at the WEC. Photo: @australianwheelaroos
Australia's head coach Brett Clark said the draw gave his side a ''great runway'' into France, who had been the benchmark nation for many years.
''Starting with New Zealand and then Scotland allows us to build combinations, test our execution and be firing by the time we meet the world No.2 side.
''We've grown enormously in maturity and skill. This group knows what it takes and the chance to play in front of family, friends and a passionate Australian crowd will drive us every step.''
All games will be broadcast on Seven and 7Plus platforms.
Australia open the tournament on October 31 against New Zealand, with further matches on November 3 (Scotland) and November 6 (France). Photo @australianwheelaroos
National Rugby League Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald said the Wollongong matches presented a transformative era for the sport.
''This is more than a tournament – it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our athletes, inspire new players and take wheelchair rugby league to every corner of the country. The Wheelaroos are ready.''
Tickets will be available shortly and can be found via the official RLWC 2026 website and directly on Ticketmaster.
