One member of the 2026 squad had his life changed in 2009. Aged 24, he was left partially paralysed after a blood clot on his spine that required an emergency operation. He is now in the squad, and is part of why England’s players say they are performing for something bigger: a vehicle to help rebuild lives after trauma.
Wheelchair rugby league is the most popular wheelchair sport in England by some distance. Since the World Cup triumph in 2022, participation has risen by 110%.
England won the tournament in 2022, when the final was decided by four points. England and France are the world’s two best teams.
A further triumph would matter on the scoreboard. Squad members also describe the sport as a way to rebuild lives after trauma, and as the reason a younger generation is taking it up.
The league map has widened with it. Four years ago, 19 teams played in formal leagues. There are now 42, and the number is still rising.
The same growth is being followed in attendances, television viewing figures and revenue — and, those closest to the game argue, in the trophies that sit above them.
King and his squad are not treating that off-field rise as separate from the result. As well as trying to win, they know their stories are inspiring a new generation of young men and women.
“Finlay was watching us at the last World Cup and now he’s scoring tries and playing in a final himself,” a player said. “That’s the win for us: seeing the next generation want to do it because of us.”.
O’Neill came to the sport from the other direction. Diagnosed with hyper-mobility in his knees, he was forced to give up able-bodied rugby league. England’s win four years ago inspired him.
“It is everything great about any version of rugby league, just in a wheelchair: it’s identical in so many ways,” a player said.