Stronger Together. Wheeling to Wollongong.
Wheelaroos name extended squad for 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign
The Australian Wheelaroos have today announced an extended squad of 12 athletes for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign, marking an important milestone as the team builds towards the biggest event on the international Wheelchair Rugby League calendar.
Selected players have earned their place through consistent performances and will now progress into the next phase of preparation, with the LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship set to take place on the Gold Coast from 10–12 July.
Following the Championship, the extended squad will assemble for a performance training camp as preparations intensify for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Athletes will be challenged through tactical development, skill execution under pressure, match-specific scenarios and team-building activities, with the coaching staff closely assessing combinations and performances. With less than 150 days to go, the camp represents a critical step in finalising the team that will proudly wear the green and gold on rugby league’s biggest stage.
Wheelaroos Head Coach Brett Clark said:
“The extended squad reflects the depth of talent we now have across Australia. We’ve got a great blend of experienced internationals and emerging players who have earned their opportunity through strong performances at both club and representative level.
The focus now is on building combinations, driving standards and preparing ourselves to compete at our very best on the world stage,” said Brett.
The squad highlights the continued growth of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia, with athletes representing multiple states and pathways programs that have underpinned the rapid development of the sport in recent years.
NRL Wheelchair CEO, Anna Fitzgerald said the announcement also marked a new chapter for the Wheelaroos leadership following the retirement of long-time Australian captain Brad Grove from international competition.
“We are extremely excited about the quality, depth and potential of this extended squad as we prepare to take on the world’s best on home soil. The group represents an outstanding composition of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, creating a strong foundation for a successful World Cup campaign,” Anna said.
As the Wheelaroos continue their World Cup preparations, the focus is on building cohesion, elevating standards and showcasing the skill, speed and physicality of Wheelchair Rugby League on the world stage.
The final World Cup squad will be confirmed later this year.
2026 Australian Wheelaroos Extended Squad
- Daniel Anstey, QLD
- Pete Arbuckle, QLD
- Brett Bazley, QLD
- Cory Cannane, NSW
- Dylan Gawthorne, QLD
- Diab Karim, NSW
- Liam Luff, NSW
- Toby Popple, NSW
- Bayley McKenna, QLD
- Stephan Rochecouste, NSW
- Zac Schumacher, QLD
- Adam Tannock, QLD
This extended list sees the return of experienced campaigners, Toby Popple and Stephan Rochecouste to the Wheelaroos fold, while Brett Bazley earns his first national squad selection following recent impressive performances.
Stronger Together. Wheeling to Wollongong.
Follow the team’s journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/australianwheelaroos/
World Cup preparation schedule – next up
- LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships: a selection criteria event for the Wheelaroos – 10 – 12 July on the Gold Coast. Get your free tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/lca-nrl-wheelchair-championships
- National Training Camp: 13 – 15 July on the Gold Coast
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