Wheel Kiwis: What makes wheelchair rugby league one of the most unique sports?

The Wheel Kiwis are hoping their inclusion at next year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will bring more eyes to one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is.

The team are fairly new, having played their first match just 13 months ago against Australia’s Wheelaroos, but New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) boss Greg Peters has ambitious ideas for the sport, which has surged in popularity since the last World Cup in 2022.

That was because more people were watching the sport as it ran alongside the men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time in England, forcing the International Rugby League to do the same for next year’s tournament in Australia.

But the uniqueness of the sport is also captivating. It pits disabled and non-disabled, male and female, on the same teams, while it’s an adaptation of the running game with many of the same rules, where tackles are made by removing tags from the opponents’ shoulders, and play-the-balls involve tapping it on the ground.

Each game is made up of two 40-minute halves and generally played on a 46m x 20m court, with five players on each team and tries – worth four points – are scored by grounding a smaller version of a league ball in the opponent’s goal area. There are no forward passes and plenty of hard hits at lightning speed, while kicks are performed with an AFL-style pass.

Out of the five players on the court at any given time, two can be non-disabled.

In terms of a sport, it’s relatively young, having been devised in 2000 in France, but after seeing the success of the last World Cup, Peters knew it was time New Zealand got involved.

“I think we saw how it exploded on to the scene, really, and now it’s a full-blown World Cup alongside men’s and women’s,” Peters told the Herald.

“We knew we needed to be part of that because, as a high-capability rugby league nation, we should be fielding a team in all World Cups that are available for us to do so.

“The game is unique in that you can have able-bodied people playing with disabled people on the same court, which makes it fully inclusive, plus the physicality and the nature of it ... [makes it] a great entertainment spectacle too.”

New Zealand’s participation in the wheelchair sport was 16 years in the making, after plans for them to participate in the inaugural 2008 tournament fell through.

But after seeing the World Cup, the Warriors Community Foundation joined forces with the NZRL, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Rugby League and Disability Sport Auckland for a have-a-go day, and the wheels in motion have been in place since.

That led to the creation of the Wheel Kiwis, and Edie George was tasked with coaching the squad, after initially just reaching out to offer a helping hand.

George has been involved in the sport since 2013, which began while working at a rehab centre in Sydney. He began playing before moving up the ranks, eventually, serving as an assistant for Australia at the last World Cup.

It was a tough start at the beginning, with George having to teach the basics to all the players, because most of the squad had never played the sport before.

They took to the court for the first time on November 1, 2024, on Auckland’s North Shore, going down 98-4 to the Wheelaroos and again 110-8 days later.

But 12 months later, they’ve progressed in leaps and bounds – the team won three of their six matches at the NRL’s Wheelchair championship against Australian states.

George said he’s grateful for the opportunities the sport has given him.

“I never thought I’d be in this position, ever,” George said. “Once I started coaching, I fell in love, and it’s a huge honour to be able to coach a team into the World Cup.

“I’ll be proud of it for the rest of my life, and [it’s] something that I’ll always cherish and appreciate.

“We want to grow the participation at grassroots level in New Zealand, and to be competitive as we can in the World Cup.”

George said he’s always blown away by the skills of the players involved.

“In rugby league, when you take a hit-up, you’re running, focusing on catching the ball and hitting the gap,” George said. “In wheelchair rugby league, it’s completely different.

“You’re pushing with your arms, the ball’s coming toward you, and you have to let go of the chair, manoeuvre it as you catch the ball, then secure it in your lap and keep pushing all while avoiding contact.

“We’re starting to showcase that despite the sport being played in a wheelchair, you can still showcase talents of rugby league skills.

“These are athletes, and they should be treated as athletes as well. So, by having men’s, women’s, wheelchair all together, that’s, you know, will be a huge boost for the game.”

Plans are in place to stage an open tournament in New Zealand next year for anybody who wants to try the sport, and possibly put their hand up for future representation of the Wheel Kiwis.

Peters admits they are in the early stages of developing the sport in New Zealand, but says they are on the right track for future success.

He’s ambitious about where he would love to see the sport in five years with the hope of having a domestic league across New Zealand, aligned with local clubs.

Countries like England and France have already established domestic competitions, with some Super League clubs entering their own sides, players earning MBEs for their services to the sport, and thousands of fans turning out to watch.

But there is one goal Peters would love to tick off.

“I’d love to sell out Spark Arena for a wheelchair rugby league spectacle,” Peters said.

“I think it’s just an amazing entertainment sport, and it has the ability to wrap other things around it, like music, and make it a real entertainment spectacle.

“I’d encourage anyone that hasn’t seen it, have a look on YouTube and see what it’s like, because it’s an amazing sport.

“We want the sport to be as accessible to as many people as possible, and adding the Wheel Kiwis to the teams that represent New Zealand overseas and at World Cups and internationally is a really important part of that.”

New Zealand have been drawn in Pool B, alongside Australia, France and Scotland for the World Cup, with all matches taking place in Wollongong.

As seen on nzherald.co.nz

See the official New Zealand Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 IRL Rugby League World Cup, with their matches to be played across Australia and New Zealand. The Wheelchair World Cup will be played entirely at Wollongong, Australia's WIN Entertainment Centre.

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Tickets on sale via the Rugby League World Cup website here rlwc2026.com/home

Kangaroos stars Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have predicted the 2026 World Cup will be the most competitive ever as the Ashes winners prepare to face Pacific Cup champions New Zealand in the opening match.

Yeo’s Australian team completed a 3-0 series clean sweep of England in the first Ashes series since 2003, while the Kiwis triumphed in the Pacific Championships against Toa Samoa and Tonga to ensure a mouthwatering start to the World Cup.

And with the Kiwis forced to overcome a 14-6 half-time deficit to defeat Samoa in the final and Tonga's narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Cup decider, there are at least five nations capable of winning the World Cup.

“It’s certainly going to be the strongest World Cup there’s ever been, and that’s great for international rugby league,” Yeo said.

The Kangaroos and Kiwis have been drawn in Pool A, along with Fiji and the Cook Islands, who claimed the last RLWC26 berth by beating South Africa in a qualifying match on November 9 at CommBank Stadium.

New Zealand star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said the Kiwis were looking forward to testing themselves against Australia in the opening match at Allianz Stadium on October 15 after a successful Pacific Championships campaign.

“That is a massive game and it is definitely one we will have circled in the calendar," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It is a game that you all want to be a part of so it will be cool to kick off such a prestigious competition like the World Cup with a big game against Australia."

England, Samoa and Lebanon are in Pool B and will play the teams in Pool C – Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France – rather than those in their own pool, and vice-versa.

The top two teams in Pool A and the top two teams in a combined Pool B and Pool C will qualify for the semi-finals, with play-off positions to be determined by:

• for-and-against if two teams from the same pool finish on the same competition points;
• the head-to-head result between a team in Pool B and a team in Pool C if they finish on the same competition points.

Tonga, who are in Pool C, will start their World Cup campaign against England in Perth on Saturday, October 17 and finish with an eagerly awaited clash with Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 3.

A win in either of those matches could ensure Tonga a semi-final berth on head-to-head over the team they beat.

Samoa and Tonga drew a crowd of more than 44,000 for October’s Pacific Cup match at Suncorp Stadium, while nearly 40,000 fans turned out for Tonga’s match against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Despite being in England with the Kangaroos, Cleary said he had followed the Pacific Championships closely and was impressed by the Kiwis, as well as Samoa and Tonga.

“The international game is in the best place it’s ever been, and that’s only going to grow and get better so it’s an exciting time for international rugby league with the World Cup coming up,” Cleary said.

“I’ve got a lot of good mates who were playing in the Pacific Championships, so I was keeping a keen eye on them. All three teams are stacked so it’s exciting to watch as a fan.

“It’s super close and it’s such a great thing with the international game at the moment. England’s team is the best it’s been in a long time. They’ve got a lot of talent, then you’ve got Australia and the Pacific teams have great lineups so it’s exciting to watch.”

Nicoll-Klokstad said many of the New Zealand players were still hurting from their 16-14 loss to Australia at Elland Road in the semi-final of the last World Cup in 2022.

The Kiwis bounced back to inflict a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos in the final of the 2023 Pacific Cup and after being stunned by Tonga in 2024 they will head into the World Cup buoyed by a successful Pacific Championships.

“We have got to feel confident, we have got a lot of young boys coming through and a lot of old heads now," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"It feels like yesterday that the last World Cup happened so there are going to be a lot of us who want to make that right by beating Australia.

“The first game is very important, there are other teams that are doing their nations proud and really flying up through the ranks by beating big teams in big games, so it is really important that we get our preparations right for the World Cup and make sure we come up with a win."

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns players have welcomed the opportunity to play a double-header at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium during next year’s IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Kiwis will begin their World Cup campaign in a blockbuster tournament opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns meet Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

Both New Zealand teams will then travel home to play their Round 2 matches at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which is due to open in April.

The Kiwis will host the Cook Islands, while the Kiwi Ferns take on France, in the 30,000 roofed stadium – a new experience for many of the players.

“That will be amazing to play a game in Christchurch, let alone in a World Cup,” star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said. “There will be a lot of excitement and a real buzz in the air in Christchurch.‍

“Everyone down there loves their rugby league so for us to play a World Cup game in Christchurch will be amazing. It is going to packed out with black-and-white fans, and everyone is going to get behind us.”

Recent matches in Christchurch involving the Kiwis or Warriors, including the 2024 Test double-header against Australia, have attracted capacity crowds at the 17,000 seat Apollo Projects Stadium.

Kiwis second-rower Isaiah Papali’i said that playing a pool match in Christchurch would be a boost for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

“Playing a game at home, in our country, is what every Kiwi looks forward to and I love playing down there,” Papali’i said.

“It is going to be in the new stadium, so I am looking forward to that. I have never played in an indoor stadium so it will be something different but just being at home is a big advantage, so I am looking forward to that game.”

Both New Zealand teams will also feature in a Round 3 double-header at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, with the Kiwis to meet Fiji Bati and the Kiwi Ferns playing the PNG Orchids.

Kiwi Ferns forward Alexis Tauaneai said she was excited about the chance to play against France in Christchurch, as well as the Bulikula and Orchids, ahead of the semi-finals and final.

"To play in the World Cup is on my bucket list," Tauaneai said. "I am looking forward to seeing all of the other countries, as well, to see how they go on the world stage.

"I reckon it will be very exciting and a different type of footy, especially with the way they play compared to how we play.

Prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa said the World Cup was an opportunity to showcase the development of women's rugby league and the talent and skill within the Kiwis Ferns squad.

"I think the game has already gone leaps and bounds and for us Kiwi Ferns we just want to put on a good product and show what we can do as a footy team," Teakaraanga-Katoa said.

"I know the girls have been building over the last couple of World Cup campaigns to win one so if we could do that it would be awesome."    

See the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns draws for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup here.

The Kiwis' Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine, and Kiwi Ferns' Apii Nicholls have been named as finalists for the 2025 IRL Golden Boot awards following the Pacific Championships.

Dylan Brown, who will join Newcastle next season on a 10-year contract, was a standout for the Kiwis in their successful Pacific Cup campaign, winning the tournament for the second time in three years by beating Samoa in the final with Brown earning Player of the Match.

Tapine, the Canberra Raiders captain, was consistently one of the Kiwis' best forwards and has again made the Golden Boot shortlist after being narrowly edged out by team-mate James Fisher-Harris for the award in 2023 when the Kiwis inflicted a record 30-0 defeat of Australia in the final.

Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls was one of the best female players on the international stage in 2025, leading the Kiwi Ferns from the back in a stunning comeback win over Fetū Samoa, and two losses to the current world-champion Jillaroos.

Kiwis Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris were consecutive Golden Boot winners in 2022 and 2023, alongside Kiwi Ferns co-captains Raecene McGregor in 2022 and Georgia Hale in 2023.

The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year.

As seen on intrl.sport/article

Our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award celebrates and recognises heroes from the grassroots rugby league community across Aotearoa, for their hard mahi and dedication to our game.

This award is given to volunteers who display the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family-first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble.

We are proud to announce our final Pirtek Volunteer of the Month winner 2025: Shannan Foreman from the Waitemata Seagulls in Auckland.

Shannan is known at the Seagulls as a tireless and selfless coach who dedicates his spare time to mentoring and supporting his young players, both on and off the field. He consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of a coach.  

Recognising that many families face financial hardship, he personally collected boots to donate to players in need. Together with the team manager, Shannan also secured sponsorship that provided every player with a personalised warm-up top and covered the season’s fees, removing financial barriers so that no child missed out on the opportunity to play.

He also regularly organises post-training barbecues and team dinners to build a strong sense of whānau and comradery among the players and their supporting whānau. His leadership has helped shape the team into one of the best in their competition, with their success built on Shannan’s passion, commitment, and aroha. His players not only respect him, but thrive on and off the field under his guidance. Shannan is more than a coach; he is a role model, mentor, and true community hero.

Chris Bourke the CEO of Pirtek shared, “Congratulations to Shannan Foreman of the Waitemata Seagulls, our Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.

“Shannan’s dedication to mentoring young players, supporting families, and creating a strong sense of whānau makes a real difference, helping rugby league thrive across our communities and inspiring the next generation of players.”

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The New Zealand Kiwis have crowned their Pacific Championships campaign with a 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, delivering the perfect send-off for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.

Trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis stormed home with 30 unanswered points in a dominant second half. Foran was instrumental in the comeback, combining brilliantly with Dylan Brown, who produced a standout performance featuring three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and 181 running metres.

Isaiah Papali’i crossed for two tries, while Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also found the line. Clark’s powerful run early in the second half shifted momentum, before Papali’i’s second try in the 76th minute sealed the result.

Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakout tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks and four offloads, while Naufahu Whyte made a huge impact off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.

The win secures New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons and confirms their status as a leading contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Head coach Stacey Jones praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure, noting the leadership of Foran and the team’s ability to respond after a tough first half.

It was a night of pride and celebration for New Zealand Rugby League, closing out the Pacific Championships with silverware and a fitting farewell for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.

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The Kiwi Ferns have finished runners-up in the 2025 Pacific Championships, with a coveted win over the Jillaroos remaining elusive.

Support for the visiting New Zealanders was outstanding, with a crowd of 17,702 filling the stands at the Commbank Stadium in Sydney, many cheering on the women in black.

However, the support was not enough to swing the scoreline, which concluded 40-8 to the reigning champions, Australia.

Despite the score, the Kiwi Ferns stayed committed throughout, with many shining moments such as rookie Tysha Ikenasio crossing the white line for her first time in the Kiwi Ferns jersey. Also dotting down in the corner after some quick off-loads by the Kiwi Ferns middle was the tenacious Shanice Parker.

Co-Captain Georgia Hale led from the front with game-high tackles (38), and fullback Apii Nicholls was second on the leaderboard for run meters (117). The duo showed their class and experience throughout the game, which has seen them as regular starters for many years now.

Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “We’ve been building the last couple of weeks, and done a lot of good things around our culture, and our connection, that chemistry. All that stuff, I think we’ve done a great job of over those weeks in camp. 

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to turn up and be ready to play, that’s why we’re here. We had a lot of pressure on us right from the outset, and we talked about this; we need to be better at it… We just didn’t go out there with enough intent to match it or go with them, and turn it back our way. That’s the learning for us.”

Next year is the Rugby League World Cup, which Henry shifts the focus of the team to.

“If we can get a couple of things right, then we will be in a better space than what the scoreline showed today.”

Kieran Foran has been congratulated by the New Zealand Rugby League ahead of the last match of his decorated career for the Kiwis in their clash against Toa Sāmoa inthe Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney today.

The game will leave Foran (Kiwi #757) with a total of 352 top level appearances comprising 34 Tests and 318 NRL matches for five clubs.

He will finish as the oldest player to appear at Test level for the Kiwis at 35years, 200 days, ahead of his former teammate Benji Marshall – the next oldest– who was 34 years, 257 days when he played his final international in 2019.

Foran’s Test career, spanning 17 seasons since his debut in 2009, is also the longest in the Kiwis’ history.

“The New Zealand rugby league community congratulates Kieran on a remarkable career,” said New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters.

“He has always worn the Kiwi jersey with such pride, passion and courage overcoming so many challenges along the way.

“Kieran’s contribution to our game has been immense and he will leave a lasting legacy for all to follow.

“As one of New Zealand’s greatest sportsmen, it’s so fitting his last match is in the Kiwi jersey and in the Pacific Championships final.”

An Ellerslie Eagles junior, Foran was 19 when he made his Test debut in the centres against England in Huddersfield on November 7, 2009.

He was in the New Zealand side which beat Australia 22-14 in the 2014 Four Nations final while putting together a run of three consecutive wins over the Kangaroos in 2014-2015 before conquering the Australians by a record 30-0 margin to claim the inaugural Pacific Cup crown in 2023.

Of the 33 Tests he has played to date the Kiwis have won 21 while losing 12.

Kieran Foran’s final match on New Zealand soil was a fitting send-off for one of the Kiwis’ most loyal servants. The veteran half guided New Zealand to a dominant win over Tonga at Eden Park, his last chance to represent Aotearoa in front of home fans before closing out his international career in the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney this weekend.

Foran’s leadership has been a steadying force throughout the Kiwis’ campaign. Since making his debut in 2009, he has worn the black and white with pride across 34 Tests, including the 2014 Four Nations triumph and several World Cup campaigns. His professionalism and humility have earned universal respect among teammates and fans alike.

Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones said Foran’s impact on the team went far beyond his on-field performances.

“He’s been a massive influence, calm, selfless, and always putting the team first,” Jones said. “Kieran has helped set the standard for what it means to be a Kiwi. The younger players look up to him.”

Sunday’s final at CommBank Stadium will mark Foran’s last outing in the famous jersey, a milestone that blends emotion with opportunity. While it is the end of an era for one of New Zealand Rugby League’s greats, it is also the beginning of a new generation, with emerging talents like Keano Kini, Casey McLean, and Naufahu Whyte carrying the torch forward.

Foran says he is savouring every moment of his final campaign.

“It has been a privilege every time I have pulled on this jersey,” he said. “To finish my last game in New Zealand at Eden Park, and to have one more in Sydney, is really special. I just want to enjoy the week and finish the right way for the team and our supporters.”

This Sunday, Foran will lead the Kiwis into battle one last time, a proud farewell to a career built on service, resilience, and devotion to the black and white.

The Kiwi Ferns will face the Jillaroos once again this Sunday in the 2025 Pacific Championships Final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, a rematch loaded with intensity and tactical intrigue after Australia’s narrow 10–4 win at Eden Park.

Head coach Ricky Henry’s side knows what’s required. Their defensive structure held strong for long stretches in the earlier clash, but unforced errors and missed completions proved costly. The focus now shifts to composure, patience and discipline under pressure.

Recent form and lessons learned

Australia’s ability to control possession and win repeat sets gave them a platform in Auckland. New Zealand matched them physically and actually won the yardage battle in the second half, but turnovers in critical zones halted momentum.

Raecene McGregor and Page McGregor are again expected to steer the Kiwi Ferns attack, supported by Annessa Biddle and Abby Roache on the edges. Henry has emphasised set completions and quick-play-the-ball pressure as keys to unlocking the Jillaroos defence.

“We’ve been in every contest with them,” Henry said. “Our challenge is finishing those moments when we’ve earned field position. The energy and intent are there, now it’s about execution.”

Tactical outlook

Edge control: The Jillaroos fullback Abbi Church impressed with nearly 200 metres and a try in the previous meeting. The Ferns will look to limit her early touches and kick more strategically to corners.
Middle rotation: Georgia Hale, Mele Hufanga and Amber Hall lead a forward pack that thrives on physicality. Their go-forward will be vital in establishing ruck dominance and isolating Australia’s slower defenders.
Composure: The Ferns error rate, which reached double figures in Auckland, will be a focal metric. Keeping that to single digits could be the difference between falling short and lifting the trophy.

What’s at stake

The Jillaroos have held the upper hand in recent years, but the margins have tightened significantly. The Kiwi Ferns defensive steel, coupled with improved line speed and communication, gives them a genuine shot at breaking Australia’s hold on the title.

This final is more than a rematch. It is an opportunity for the Kiwi Ferns to stamp their growth under Henry’s leadership and close the international season on their terms.

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Pacific Championships Final
Sunday 9 November 2025
CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos
Kick-off 4.00 pm NZT