Wheelaroos ready for Rugby League World Cup in Wollongong
Wheelchair rugby league brings its A-game to Wollongong later this month
The 10-man Australian Wheelaroos side has been named as excitement builds for Wollongong’s 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The competition will be held at WIN Entertainment Centre from October 30. Countries represented will be England, France, Ireland, Australia, Wales, Scotland, United States and New Zealand.
The Australian team is Bayley McKenna (captain), Daniel Anstey, Peter Arbuckle Cory Cannane, Diab Karim, Sutherland Shire’s Liam Luff, Toby Popple, former representative wheelchair tennis player Stephan Rochecouste, Zac Schumacher and Adam Tannock. Head coach is Brett Clark.
Congratulating the players on their selection, NRL Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald said representing Australia at a home World Cup would be a significant honour.
“Selection for the Wheelaroos is an enormous achievement and reflects the commitment, hard work and performances of these players throughout the campaign.
“We are incredibly proud of the team that will represent Australia, and equally appreciative of every player who has been part of the broader Wheelaroos program and contributed to our preparations.
“I also congratulate Bayley on his appointment as captain. It is a tremendous honour to lead your country, particularly at a World Cup on home soil, and we know he will take great pride in leading the Wheelaroos.
“We also want people to watch this team and see wheelchair rugby league for what it is – rugby league. It’s fast, physical, skilful and fiercely competitive, and these players are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Australia.”
Wheelaroos head coach Brett Clark said team selection was an important milestone after months of preparation and competition for spots on the side.
“Selecting a World Cup team is never easy and there were some very difficult decisions to make,” Brett said.
“We’ve selected a group that we believe gives us the right balance of experience, skill, speed and versatility to compete against the best teams in the world.
"Every player brings something different to this team, and we’re confident in the group we’ve selected.
“The standards across the group have continued to rise and the players have pushed each other throughout the preparation period, which is exactly what we want heading into a World Cup.
“There is still plenty of work ahead of us, but our ambition is clear – we want to be the best in the world and we’re excited about the opportunity to represent Australia in front of a home crowd.”
Australia’s World Cup mission is scheduled to kick off on October 31 with a round one clash against New Zealand at 5.30pm at WIN Entertainment Centre.
