When Rob Hawkins replied to what he thought was an advert to play wheelchair basketball in 2014 he could not have imagined he would be a key part of an England side defending their Rugby League World Cup title.
Rob Hawkins overcame a battle with chronic fatigue syndrome to become a central figure for England at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. The 25-year-old Halifax Panthers wing took up the sport in 2014 by mistake after being bedbound for 18 months, mistaking a rugby league session for wheelchair basketball.
Hawkins went on to win the IRL Golden Boot Award in 2024 and 2025 alongside Super League's Wheels of Steel. Defending champions England face hosts Australia in Wollongong in the semi-finals after topping Pool A with dominant victories over Wales, the USA, and Ireland.
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