NRL 2025: England Wheelchair squad named for Ashes tour

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 8 Aug 2025, 05:23 PM

Luis Domingos - a Portugal wheelchair basketball international - is one of three new faces named in the England squad for the upcoming Ashes tour to Australia.

England Wheelchair coach Tom Coyd MBE has recognised the rapid development of Domingos, who plays for Castleford Tigers, along with Mason Billington (London Roosters) and Finlay O’Neill (Halifax Panthers) by including all three in the 10-strong squad for the Ashes series against the Wheelaroos.

None of the trio was even playing Wheelchair Rugby League when England won the 2022 World Cup, but now they have been given the inside track to stake claims for places when England defend their title in Australia in 2026.

Castleford's Luis Domingos is one of three new faces named in England's squad for the end of season Ashes series. ©Castleford Tigers

England will leave on October 19 and play matches against NSW and Queensland before two Tests against the Wheelaroos on the Gold Coast on October 30 and November 2 – crucial fixtures for both teams in their preparations for RLWC2026.

“This has been my most challenging selection yet as England coach, reflecting the development of our depth of talent and of Wheelchair Rugby League in general since the World Cup win," Coyd said.

“Making calls to inform the 10 players of their selection was a privilege as always, but I’ve also had to share disappointing news with some outstanding players who haven’t made the cut.

“The ethos of Wheelchair Rugby League means that every player has an inspirational story, and that is certainly the case with Mason, Luis and Finlay – the three players in this squad who have emerged since the last World Cup.

“Mason Billington made an astonishing impact on the sport last season after coming across from Essex to play with the London Roosters, to such an extent that he earned an England debut against France – and clearly relished that step up in class.

“It’s been exciting to see him continue that development this year to earn his place for Australia, and the same goes for the way Luis Domingos and Finlay O’Neill have performed for Castleford and Halifax respectively.

Match Highlights: England v Australia

“Luis has returned to the sport after enjoying considerable success in Wheelchair Basketball, and produced some really exciting performances which have made Castleford one of the strongest teams outside the Super League.

“Finlay only started playing for Halifax two seasons ago as a teenager, but has quickly become a key member of the team currently on top of the Super League table, and played the full 80 minutes in their Challenge Cup Final win against London Roosters.

“I know all three are excited about the prospect of travelling to Australia, and it’s exciting for us to have that new blood to add to the pretty formidable group who have formed our nucleus since the build-up to the last World Cup.

“It’s also a reflection of the inclusive nature of Wheelchair Rugby League that only two of the 10 players we have selected are non-disabled.”

Match Highlights: France v England

Tom Halliwell OBE, who lifted the World Cup as England captain, was not considered as he is still awaiting shoulder surgery and has yet to play this season.

Coyd will confirm the tour captain when the squad gather at the Football Association’s Performance and Training Centre at St George’s Park in Staffordshire on Sunday August 31.

This will be England’s first trip to Australia since 2019, although the teams last met in the 2022 World Cup at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park, with England winning 38-8.