Australia Claims Dramatic Victory in Thrilling Inaugural ANZAC Wheelchair Rugby League Clash

The inaugural ANZAC Armed Forces Wheelchair Rugby League clash delivered everything it promised and more, with Australia producing a remarkable second-half comeback to edge out the UK Armed Forces in a gripping contest at the South Pine Indoor Sports Centre. 

Played in the true spirit of ANZAC — courage, resilience, and mateship — the match showcased the very best of Wheelchair Rugby League on an international stage. 

UK Strike First, Australia Respond with Composure

The UK Armed Forces wasted no time asserting their presence, with Steve Sampher crossing for the opening try to set the tone and intensity from the UK Armed Forces. 

The UK continued to threaten, with Simpson-Hill orchestrating multiple attacking raids, including a near try denied by a forward pass. However, Australia responded strongly through structured ball movement, in the 10th minute via Zeke Field finishing a slick “through-the-hands” play. Field converted his own try to level the scores at 6–6.

Heavy early contact, led by Pete Arbuckle’s trademark physicality, set the intensity for what would become a brutal and uncompromising encounter. Australia then gained momentum, with a break down the left edge by Arbuckle creating a fast play-the-ball opportunity. Chris O’Brien capitalised, sending Brett Bazley through a gap for a long-range try, pushing Australia ahead 10–6 12mins into the game.

The UK quickly responded in the 19th minute, scoring out wide to level the game at 10–10 before Shepherd again converted from the sideline to reclaim the lead at 10-12.

From there, the UK surged. Simpson-Hill produced a standout individual effort, beating his defender and scoring from halfway under the posts (23min). Shepherd’s conversion extended the lead to 10-18. Shortly after, Steve Sampson broke through the Australian line to further extend the margin to 10-24 (27th minute).

A smart attacking kick saw Tom Oates race through to score, extending the UK’s lead to 10-30 after a successful conversion. While Fields managed to break through late in the half for Australia, the UK remained firmly in control, heading into the break with a commanding 18-30 lead. 

The first half saw the UK execute with precision, while Australia built into the contest. A few rushed passes and ambitious plays handed momentum to the visitors, but the intent was there.

Second Half Shift Sparks Australian Fightback 

The second half began much like the first, with Steve Sampher again striking early to extend the UK lead to 18-36. 

But from that point, the momentum began to shift. 

A desperate chase-down from Jayson Hooker highlighted the growing urgency in the Australian side, while a crucial defensive tag from Zeke Field denied Sampher a certain try and sparked belief. 

After repeated attacking sets, Brett Bazley ignited the comeback, breaking through a resolute UK defensive line to score and convert, reducing the margin to 24-36 with 22 minutes remaining. 

Moments later, Captain, Pete Arbuckle produced an outstanding individual effort, powering through to add another, closing the gap to 28-36. 

Although Simpson-Hill steadied things briefly for the UK, followed by another try to Carl Shepherd extending the lead to 28-46, the Australians refused to fade. 

Bazley Leads a Stunning Late Surge 

What followed was one of the most electric finishes seen in Wheelchair Rugby League. 

Bazley took control of the contest. 

A perfectly executed kick-and-chase saw him claim his second try, before finishing down the wing again moments later after a clever play involving O’Brien and Field, bringing the score to 40-46 with just seven minutes remaining. 

Then came the moment that defined the match. 

With three minutes to play, O’Brien and Field combined brilliantly again, with an early kick creating a race to the ball — Bazley again proving unstoppable, grounding the try and converting to level the scores at 46-46. 

With less than a minute remaining, a penalty was awarded, and Bazley calmly slotted the decisive two points to give Australia the lead. 

Following the match, Bazley remarked,

“I felt like Bayley McKenna out there.”

Referring to his training partner and Australian Wheelaroos, known for his speed and ability to impact the score line like and unstoppable force.

A Match Defined by ANZAC Spirit 

The game was ultimately a tale of two halves, a dominant UK performance early, followed by an inspired and relentless Australian resurgence. 

Australia’s second-half performance embodied the very essence of the ANZAC spirit, resilience under pressure, unwavering effort, and commitment to the team. 

The NRL Wheelchair Coaches, Zac Schumacher and Kerri-Ann Woodbury, said it was a great team effort. Both veterans, sidelined by injury, were itching to get out there, but were delights with their 100% coaching win-record.

“The team kept their belief, slowed the tempo, and recommitted to playing the brand of footy we like,” said Schumacher.

Recognition and Reflection 

Following the match, Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Director Aaron Brooks praised both sides for delivering a contest worthy of the occasion. 

He also acknowledged the vital contributions of volunteers, officials, and support staff who ensured the success of the inaugural event. 

A special presentation was made to Lt Col (Retd) Richard Naivalurua MBE, Chairman of UKAF Wheelchair Rugby League, recognising his contribution to the international game. 

The match also saw the introduction of the “Spirit of ANZAC” Award, recognising the player who best exemplifies courage, teamwork, and determination — values that were on full display throughout the contest by the awarded recipient, Steve Sampher. 

In 2012, Sampher sustained life-changing injuries while in Afghanistan serving as a Troop Sergeant, when his vehicle he was commanding was hit by an IED.  His leg was badly injured and he was shot in the helmet on the follow up attack which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Steve would later have his leg amputated after numerous operations, infections and complications to sustain the leg.

Final Word 

This wasn’t just a game. 

It was a statement for Wheelchair Rugby League and a powerful demonstration of the sport’s intensity, inclusivity, and ability to unite people through shared values. 

And if this inaugural ANZAC clash is anything to go by, this fixture will quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the Wheelchair Rugby League calendar. 

We look forward to more great contests, and an even bigger future for veterans in our sport.