Karim chasing World Cup dream with Wheelaroos

Few players embody the growth and spirit of wheelchair rugby league like Diab Karim.

Karim – ‘Diablo’ to many – is one of the sport’s most respected competitors and is helping lead preparations for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with the Wheelaroos determined to make the most of a talented squad and home-ground advantage.

Off the back of the LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship at the Gold Coast, where Karim coached and played in the winning NSW side, the Wheelaroos got together for camp, to set the platform for Wollongong in October.

“I think it’s really important to get all the boys together, learning all the new training drills and the game plan,” Karim said.

“We’ve got a very solid squad. I believe we’ve got the best squad we’ve ever had and all the boys are really buying into the coach, what he’s trying to build.

“I think we can go all the way.”

Karim, whose brother Abdullah is one of the world’s best powerchair soccer players, first discovered wheelchair rugby league in 2010 “through good mate Joseph Chidiac”.

From those early days, he quickly established himself as a consistent high-level performer, earning a reputation for his skill, toughness and fiercely competitive mindset.

A proud New South Welshman, he has represented the Blues in six State of Origin campaigns, competing in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. His outstanding performances at state level led to national selection and he has donned green and gold on five occasions.

In recent years, he has also enjoyed success in leadership roles, serving as captain-coach of the WRL Rabbitohs, guiding the club to back-to-back NSW Cup premierships in 2025 and 2026. And of course, player-coach of Team NSW.

Karim’s love for the sport is as strong as when he first started.

“I love the sport because it brings people together, whether they’re disabled or not, it brings them together and they can play alongside each other… I love the contact,” he said.

“What keeps me coming back? Just the love for the game. Just playing the running game and then this came along, and adapting to this, and yeah, I’ve been playing it now for 17 years so definitely love it.”

While his achievements have made him a key figure within the sport, Karim said he never took representing Australia for granted.

“It feels amazing, just to put on that jersey is such an honour,” he said.

“I do it for my family, I do it for my friends, do it for my teammates, and of course the state and the nation.”

With the Rugby League World Cup fast approaching, Karim is clear on what his goal is.

“My personal goal is to be holding that trophy with the teammates, winning at home,” he said.

Find more details on the Rugby League World Cup here – rlwc2026.com and get your tickets here.