England Wheelchair Team Prepares for Semi-Final Clash with Australia

The England Wheelchair Rugby League team is gearing up for a crucial semi-final showdown against Australia, as they seek to defend their title in the Rugby League World Cup. Set for Tuesday at 9:45 AM, this match will see them take on the host nation for a chance to advance to the finals.

Defending Champions Face Tough Opposition

England enters the tournament as the reigning champions, having triumphed on home turf in 2022. They are the clear favorites, but the path ahead is challenging, especially with Australia on a quest for redemption.

The other semi-final match features France against Ireland, kicking off earlier at 6:45 AM.

Rob Hawkins: Ready for the Challenge

Rob Hawkins, a key player for England since 2019, acknowledges the intensity of the upcoming match. The England squad is aware that Australia has made significant strides since their last encounter in 2025.

"Every game we've played in the tournament has presented its own challenges, even if the scorelines may not reflect that," Hawkins stated. "This match is just another part of our journey, and we're not viewing it as just the toughest game, but rather as another opportunity to play our best."

Adjusting to the Atmosphere

Hawkins and his teammates are also preparing for the electric atmosphere that comes with playing against Australia. They know they'll face a passionate crowd that will be cheering for the home team.

"Just like we faced challenges in 2022, we will embrace the pressure of the Aussie fans cheering them on," Hawkins added. "We've experienced this dynamic before, and we can channel that energy into our performance. We are confident in sticking to our game plan, despite the challenging environment ahead."

A Surprising Journey to Rugby League

For Hawkins, the journey to becoming a leading figure in wheelchair rugby league was somewhat unexpected. Initially, he attended a session thinking he was trying out for wheelchair basketball, but soon discovered the world of rugby league instead.

"We thought we were going to a local wheelchair basketball club in Halifax, but it was actually a wheelchair rugby league session," he shared. "Since I was already there, I decided to give it a shot, and I quickly fell in love with the sport."

Hawkins recalls how he was drawn back to the sport repeatedly, fueled by the chance to represent his country internationally. "Finding out I could compete internationally reignited a competitive spirit in me that I had lost since my condition. It has all been building up to this moment, and I’m eager to win another World Cup."

As the anticipation builds for the match against Australia, both Hawkins and the entire England team are focused on what it takes to secure their place in the final. A victory would not only mean defending their title but also solidifying their status as one of the best in the sport.