AtkinsRéalis Australian Wheelaroos prepare for World Cup in Canberra

The AtkinsRéalis Australian Wheelaroos have arrived in Canberra for a five-day staging camp as they enter the final stages of preparation for the Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off in Wollongong on 30 October.

The camp provides a valuable opportunity for the Australian squad to train, refine their combinations and come together ahead of the tournament, where they will take on the world’s best on home soil.

The Wheelaroos arrived in Canberra on Thursday 22 October and will travel to Campbelltown on Wednesday 28 October to enter the official World Cup environment.

NRL Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald said the team was ready for the challenge ahead.

“The World Cup is upon us, and the team has put in the work. We are looking forward to seeing that preparation translate into performances on home soil.

“We are ready and the team is ready to take on the world’s best.

“This ACT staging camp will provide the last occasion for the team to come together and put the finishing touches on our World Cup campaign,” Fitzgerald said.

As part of the camp, the squad will also visit the Australian War Memorial, a particularly meaningful experience for a team that includes former defence personnel.

The visit provides an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served Australia, while recognising the values of teamwork, resilience and mateship that connect military service with sport.

AtkinsRéalis Australian Wheelaroos Head Coach Brett Clark said the squad was determined to make the most of its opportunity to compete for a World Cup on home soil.

“Our ambition is to win the World Cup. The boys will need to dig in and work hard, but this team can go all the way.

“We have a strong squad, and we’re well and truly in contention to be the nation holding up the World Cup at the end of the tournament,” Clark said.

The ACT staging camp combines training sessions, team preparation and activities designed to strengthen combinations and bring the squad together ahead of the tournament.

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will be held at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong from 30 October to 13 November.

Australia will open its campaign against New Zealand on Saturday 31 October, before taking on Scotland on Tuesday 3 November and France on Friday 6 November.

Get behind the AtkinsRéalis Australian Wheelaroos as they take on the world’s best on home soil.

Tickets are available at rlwc26.com.