Historic ACT Victory at Inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships

The inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships have concluded in spectacular fashion at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre, with the ACT claiming the first-ever Joseph Chidiac Cup, defeating New South Wales 42–4 in a dominant grand final performance.

The three-day event — three years in the making — brought together the very best of Wheelchair Rugby League from across the nation, featuring seven teams, 21 matches, and some of the most thrilling and competitive games and the largest Wheelchair Rugby League tournament the sport has ever seen on Australian soil.

NRL Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald described the weekend as a landmark moment for the sport.

“This championship represents years of hard work, dedication, and belief that Wheelchair Rugby League deserves a national stage alongside the running game,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “To see it come to life with so much passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship has been truly inspiring.”

The event showcased the inclusivity and diversity at the heart of Wheelchair Rugby League, with over 10 nationalities represented and 63 athletes competing — 58 men and 5 women. and 18 Match Officials. Competitors ranged from 16-year-old Hayley Kruger from Queensland Maroon, the youngest player in the tournament, to 62-year-old Steven French representing the ACT, the oldest competitor.

The ACT side shone throughout the weekend, with standout performances from several key players. Zac Carl led the tournament as Top Try Scorer with 15 tries, closely followed by Jack Kruger on 13. Rick Engles, also from ACT, was named Top Points Scorer, amassing an impressive 86 points over the competition.

Ms Fitzgerald extended her gratitude to the many partners and individuals who made the event possible.

“There are so many moving parts behind the scenes that make an event of this scale work,” she said. “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters — Leagues Clubs Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, Astris PME, RF Audio, and Experience Gold Coast — for their vital contributions.”

She also paid tribute to the 18 volunteer match officials who represented New Zealand, the UK, and Australia, highlighting their professionalism and commitment to the sport.

A special moment of the weekend was the presentation of the Joseph Chidiac Cup, named in honour of one of the sport’s pioneers.

“Joseph Chidiac was a driving force behind the growth of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “His leadership, passion, and vision lives on in the players, coaches, and officials who continue to build the game he helped to pioneer in Australia.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the success of the inaugural Championships sets the stage for exciting growth ahead.

“This event marks the arrival of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia. It’s only the beginning — and the future looks incredibly bright.”

Event Snapshot:

• 🏆 Joseph Chidiac Cup Winner: ACT def. NSW 42–4

• 🕐 Duration: 3 Days

• 🏉 Teams: 7

• 🕹️ Games Played: 21

• 👩‍🦱 Youngest Player: Hayley Kruger (QLD Maroon, 16)

• 👨‍🦳 Oldest Player: Steven French (ACT, 62)

• 🌏 Nationalities Represented: 10+

• ⚥ Athletes: 63 (58 male, 5 female)

• 🏁 Match Officials: 18 (from Australia, NZ & UK)

• 🥇 Top Try Scorer: Zac Carl (ACT) – 15 tries

• 🥈 Top Try Runner-Up: Jack Kruger (QLD) – 13 tries

• 🏅 Top Points Scorer: Rick Engles (ACT) – 86 points