Wheel Kiwis haka adds new dimension to Trans-Tasman rivalry

There’s the haka... and then there’s the wheelchair haka. 

Australia’s first match of the2026 Wheelchair Rugy League World Cup will be in Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday, where the Wheel Kiwis will unleash their haka onto the international sports stage. 

“They’ve made one specifically for wheelchair rugby league... it is quite the spectacle,” Australian Wheelaroos coach Brett Clark told NRL.com. 

“They rock their chairs and yell passionately so for anyone watching it live, or seeing it on TV, it is a show-stopper in itself.” 

Eight nations will compete for the 2026 World Cup trophy, seven of them returning from the 2022 tournament including the reigning world champions, England.

The others are Ireland, Scotland, USA, Wales and France. 

The newcomer is New Zealand, who Australia last played in 2024 in a two-Test Tasman Series. 

Their coach is Edie George, who mentored the NSW team for five years and was Australian assistant coach in 2022. 

“They are early in their journey of wheelchair rugby league and we know some of the players and we know Edie will have them primed,” Clark said. 

“But you know when you’re representing your country everyone just ups the competitiveness and we’ve seen it already in this year’s World Cup with the underdog teams shaking things up. 

“I’m sure New Zealand are in the same mindset and won’t be there just to make up the numbers.” 

The Wheelaroos have no intention of just matching their semi-finals appearance (loss to France) from four years ago.  

“We want to win the whole thing,” the Australian coach said. 

The team has been in a week-long camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, making full use of the world-class training and recovery facilities. 

The success of the 2022 wheelchair tournament, in terms of popularity through ticket sales and television ratings, means the 2026 edition should lift the sport’s profile again. 

“While we’ve been in camp people have been reaching out and engaging us,” Clark said.  

“That means there’s already an awareness of the game and of our brand, the Wheelaroos, alongside that of the Kangaroos and Jillaroos. 

“It’s probably the best recognition we’ve seen and it shows the sport is still evolving. I think this World Cup will bring an increase in participation as well as an appreciation of what the sport does. 

“Wheelchair rugby league is one of those sports that unless you see it you won’t understand it. But within two minutes of watching it you’ll be hooked. 

“There is a large disability population, around five per cent, in Australia who don’t know this sport exists,” Clark said. 

“The sport being as inclusive as it is – three players with a disability and two able-bodied on court at the same time – is a game-breaker. 

“That’s a standout – the fact they can play side-by-side and the performance that comes from that, I don’t think there’s any other national sport that can showcase that.” 

Wheelchair rugby league is played indoors with the ‘field of play’ being three basketball courts. 

Each country names 10 players, but it’s a five-a-side game played over two 40-minute halves, with the same points scoring as the running game.  

Rules are similar. Players must pass backwards, and possession changes after six tackles. A ‘tackle’ is made by ripping off the Velcro shoulder tag of an opposition player, similar to League Tag. 

Kicks downfield, conversions, penalties and field goals are hand-punted. A play-the-ball is made by tapping the football on the ground before passing. 

There are three positions – one centre, who is the main playmaker; two links who are basically back rowers or middles; and two wingers. 

Captain in 2022 Brad Grove has stepped away from international duties bringing Queensland’s Bayley McKenna in as the new Wheelaroos skipper. 

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup

Round 1