Wheelaroos coach Brett Clark has named his squad for the upcoming Ashes series that he believes will showcase Wheelchair Rugby League to Australian fans ahead of next year's World Cup.
The Wheelaroos will host England in a two Test series on the Gold Coast in October and November, and Clark has selected a strong and experienced squad to take on the world champions.
Queensland's Daniel Anstey, who made his international debut last year against New Zealand is the only member of the eight-strong Australian squad who did not play in the last World Cup in England in 2022.
The Wheelaroos squad is:
- Bayley McKenna (Qld)
- Zac Schumacher (Qld)
- Diab Karim (NSW)
- Peter Arbuckle (Qld)
- Daniel Anstey (Qld)
- Cory Cannane (NSW)
- Adam Tannock (Qld)
- Brad Grove (NSW)
Reserves
- Dylan Gawthorne (Qld)
- Liam Luff (NSW)
Clark said the squad combined international experience with fresh energy, ensuring a formidable challenge to the touring England side.
Match Highlights: England v Australia
"This Ashes series is more than a rivalry - it's our chance to put Wheelchair Rugby
League front and centre in Australia," Clark said.
"Every time we take the pitch, we're showcasing our speed, skill, and toughness that defines what the Wheelaroos are.
"We're not just here to compete with England - we're here to bring awareness of our game to Australians, grow our sport, and prove that Wheelchair Rugby League deserves its place in the spotlight."
The Ashes Tests are scheduled for Thursday, October 30 and Sunday, November 2 and will bookend the inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships at the same venue.
The Ashes tour will also include warm-up fixtures against NSW on October 24 in Sydney and Queensland on October 27 on the Sunshine Coast, giving selectors the chance to assess a broader pool of players ahead of the World Cup.
Wheelchair Rugby League Australia CEO, Anna Fitzgerald, said fans can expect a spectacular showcase of athleticism, strategy and national pride as two of the sport's powerhouses go head-to-head for Ashes glory in a format that continues to rise in popularity and prestige.
"We're pleased to host England on home soil, providing our Wheelaroos with an incredible opportunity to test their mettle against the world's best," Fitzgerald said.
"It promises to be a great clash of world leading nations and serving as a precursor to what fans can expect as part of the Rugby League World Cup next year."
Match Highlights: France v England
The last time England toured Australia in 2019, they set the benchmark with strong
performances in Sydney and Wollongong.
Since then, Australia has invested heavily in growing and strengthening its Wheelchair Rugby League program - setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 Ashes Series.
