Golden Boot Winner Backs Wheelaroos for RLWC26 Final

Rob Hawkins, a star of England Wheelchair Rugby, has made headlines as the first player across all rugby league formats to clinch back-to-back Golden Boot awards. He is now voicing his support for the Wheelaroos to reach the World Cup final next year.

Hawkins, who was honored as the 2024 IRL Golden Boot winner, also earned the title of International Rugby League Player of the Year for the second year in a row following England's impressive 2-0 victory in the recent Wheelchair Ashes Series on the Gold Coast.

The England team, reigning world champions, had to stage comebacks in both Tests against a significantly improved Australian squad. Hawkins speculates that when the two teams next meet, it could be in the final of the RLWC26 on November 14 at Win Entertainment Centre.

For this scenario to unfold, England must secure the top position in their pool, competing against Ireland, USA, and Wales. Simultaneously, they need Australia, currently ranked fourth, to finish at the bottom of the other pool, which includes France, New Zealand, and Scotland.

If these conditions are met, both nations would then need to win their semi-final matches against the second-placed teams from the opposite pool to set the stage for an England-Australia showdown in the final.