Wheelaroos head coach Brett Clark believes the World Cup schedule presents a major opportunity to showcase the rapid growth of Wheelchair rugby league in Australia.
With the RLWC26 Men's, Women's and Wheelchair draws announced, the countdown to next year's World Cup, hosted by the Australian Rugby League Commission, has officially begun.
Clark said the release of the Wheelchair draw had heightened anticipation across the Australian camp.
With all matches to be played at Wollongong's WIN Entertainment Centre, Clark said the tournament would showcase the sport, particularly in the host region, where interest and participation continue to climb.
Australia’s World Cup campaign will begin with matchups against New Zealand, Scotland, and France, forming a strong pathway toward the Semi-finals.
- Round 1: New Zealand – Saturday 31 October
- Round 2: Scotland – Tuesday 3 November
- Round 3: France – Friday 6 November
The Australian Wheelaroos will need to finish in the top 2 spots following their three matches to progress to the semi-finals.
Clark says the order of games creates the ideal progression across the pool stages.
“The draw gives us a great runway into France, who have been the benchmark nation for so many years,” Clark said.
"Starting with New Zealand and then Scotland allows us to build combinations, test our execution, and be firing by the time we meet the world number two side.”
Landmark moment: Prime time coverage
The 2026 tournament will mark the first time in Wheelaroos history that all World Cup pool matches will be broadcast live to Australian audiences in prime time, via Channel 7 and 7Plus.
This visibility represents a game-changing moment for athletes, fans, and the future of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia.
NRL Wheelchair CEO, Anna Fitzgerald said the exposure could not come at a better time.
“Having prime-time coverage on Channel 7 is massive," Fitzgerald said. "It puts our athletes, our sport, and our story in front of the entire country. This is the moment the Wheelaroos have been building toward.”
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New Zealand - familiar rivals, valuable preparation
After meeting New Zealand in Test Matches throughout 2024, the Kiwi side returned to Australia to compete in the inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships on the Gold Coast in October against the state teams.
The Wheelaroos are now exploring further development and game-play opportunities with New Zealand in 2026 as part of their World Cup preparation.
Clark says these hit-outs will be critical for sharpening combinations before the team assembles in Wollongong.
Scotland – new leadership, new threat
Although Australia defeated Scotland 121–1 in a previous encounter, Clark warns against underestimating them in 2026.
Scotland has undergone a changing of the guard, with a new director from England bringing fresh systems, professionalism, and structure.
“We expect a much more disciplined and competitive Scotland outfit. Their new leadership will make a difference, and we’ll prepare accordingly,” Clark said.
France – benchmark nation
France has long been considered the powerhouse of Wheelchair Rugby League.
- Physical and aggressive
- Technically exceptional
- Rapid play-the-ball
- Tight defensive structures
Historically locked in a two-way battle with England for world supremacy
Clark says facing France in the final pool match is exactly the challenge Australia wants.
“France have been the team to beat for many years," he said. "They’re tough, skilful, and smart. It’s always an arm wrestle with them. But that’s why this draw is perfect—it prepares us for what lies ahead. Our job now is to control what we can, put in strong preparation, and turn up ready to play.”
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Warm-up matches on the radar
As part of their World Cup build-up, the Wheelaroos will explore friendly matches against Pool A teams, Ireland, the USA, or Wales to broaden their preparation and expose the squad to diverse playing styles.
RLWC26 Wheelchair schedule
The Wheelchair Rugby League tournament will run over 15 days, from 30 October to 13 November 2026, featuring:
- 8 nations across two pools
- Pool rounds across 9 days
- Top four nations advancing to the Semi-finals
- Winners progressing to the Wheelchair World Cup Final
Pool B will see Australia in action across three intense pool matches as they pursue their next World Cup title opportunity.
2025 Wheelchair Ashes Test: Wheelaroos v England - Game 1
Looking ahead
With a favourable draw, increased national visibility, and a strong preparation plan, the Wheelaroos are primed for a defining World Cup campaign on home soil.
“This is a golden opportunity for our team and for Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia,” Clark said.
“We’re ready for the challenge, and we can’t wait to represent the green and gold in front of our home fans.
"Our mindset is our greatest competitive edge. In the lead-up to 2026, we’re building a team culture that thrives under pressure, stays connected, and responds with resilience. If we get the psychology right, the performance will follow."
