Wednesday 29 October

The New Zealand Wheel Kiwis have travelled to the Gold Coast and set up camp to participate in the Inaugural Leagues Clubs Australia NRL Wheelchair Championships. The invitation, extended by the NRL Wheelchair Rugby League, provides a valuable opportunity for the side to gain experience and further prepare for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The Wheel Kiwis will be without several key players with Jamie Tapp (#8), Kauri Murray (#6) and Nikia Fa’atau (#2) scheduled for international duty with the Roller Blacks. We wish Jamie, Kauri, Nikia, and the Roller Blacks all the best for their upcoming Asia Oceania Championship. Charles Joyce (#5) and Boston Charles will line up against New Zealand having been selected to represent Queensland for the Tournament.

New Zealand will introduce several new players into the squad; Pele Sulusi, Mitch Stone, Jack Brown, and Wayne Chase all selected to be part of the Wheel Kiwis for the Championship with the tournament providing an important opportunity for the Wheel Kiwis to build depth and expand the player base ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“We appreciate the opportunity presented by NRL Wheelchair Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League Australia to be part of this Championship. Our inclusion provides valuable experience for our players as we build towards the 2026 World Cup. We would also like to acknowledge the continued efforts of the Warriors Community Foundation and Disability Sport Auckland for their ongoing work in promoting and supporting Wheelchair Rugby League initiatives here in New Zealand”, shared David McMeeken, New Zealand Rugby League National Football Operations Manager.

Two referees, Jordan Chand and Maxine Godinet have been selected to be part of the tournament. They will be involved in upskilling and the opportunity to officiate throughout the Championship. This opportunity presents an exciting step forward for Wheelchair Rugby League in New Zealand, where we currently have no qualified officials. The experience and knowledge they gain will be shared with referees back in New Zealand providing an invaluable boost to the development and growth of the Wheelchair game.

“We’re really excited to be part of the National Championships and grateful for the chance to test ourselves against some quality teams. It’s a great opportunity for our players to gain experience and for us to keep building towards the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. The energy in the group is awesome, and everyone’s keen to learn, grow, and represent the Wheel Kiwis with pride.” Edie George, New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Head Coach.

The Wheel Kiwis schedule of games:

Round 1: Friday 31 October, 11am –  Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland White

Round 2: Friday 31 October, 1:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland Maroon

Round 3: Saturday 1 November, 10am – Wheel Kiwis vs. New South Wales

Round 4: Saturday 1 November, 12:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. ACT

Round 5: Saturday 1 November, 2:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Victoria

Round 6: Sunday 2 November, 11am – Wheel Kiwis vs. Affiliated States

Final: Sunday 2 November, 1pm – 1^st v 2^nd

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Squad

Inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships