LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
England is set to play New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland as part of their Ashes tour, leading up to the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2026.
This year-end tour will feature a two-Test series against Australia's fourth-ranked Wheelaroos, following matches against both NSW and Queensland.
NRL.com.au reports that England, currently the No.1 ranked wheelchair nation in the International Rugby League (IRL) World Rankings, views this tour as an opportunity to prepare for their World Cup title defense in Australia.
Darren Gocher, chair of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, emphasized the importance of these matches: "The NSW and Queensland matches against England would expose a wider pool of talent to international competition." This initiative aims to strengthen the player base for the Wheelaroos while enhancing competitive experience.
Overall, the four-match tour underscores the significance of international matches in developing local talent and setting the stage for future competitions.