Mateship at the heart of Adam Tannock’s Wheelaroos journey

For Adam Tannock, representing Australia in wheelchair rugby league is an honour that still has him speechless.

The Townsville local has already achieved what many athletes dream of, pulling on both the Queensland and Australian jerseys, but the significance of wearing the green and gold has never worn off for him.

 “To represent the whole of Australia, and to represent with a really close-knit team, is unreal,” Tannock said.

A speedy, determined and agile attacking player, Tannock’s path to the international wheelchair rugby league stage began in an entirely different sport.

For Tannock, a leg amputee following a workplace accident involving a forklift, wheelchair basketball was his jam until being tempted by the physical nature of wheelchair rugby league alongside his mates in Townsville. Those mates included Jeff Wright, Zac Schumacher, Peter Arbuckle and Bayley McKenna.

“I originally got into wheelchair basketball,” he said. “We all decided to jump ship and try something a little bit more physical.”

It proved to be the perfect fit. The contact, intensity and camaraderie immediately resonated with Tannock, and he quickly discovered a sporting community unlike any other.

“It’s a nice close-knit community,” Tannock said.

“You rely on your brother beside you. Once you’re in a chair, everyone is the same.”

That sense of mateship remains the driving force behind his love for the game; and the Wheelaroos squad have become much more than teammates to him.

“They’re like family,” he said.

Away from wheelchair rugby league, Tannock has transitioned from working as a mechanic into a sales role.

“Other than wheelchair sports, I try to sell machines and stay off the tools,” he laughed.

On the court, though, he continues to build an impressive resume.

Tannock made his Australian debut at the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup before delivering one of the standout performances of the 2023 Wheelchair State Challenge.

Playing for Queensland, Tannock scored a hat-trick and was named Player of the Match in the Maroons’ victory over New South Wales.

“Preparation for the World Cup is literally everything at the moment,” Tannock said.

“Everything is riding on it, so hopefully all the boys can mesh and execute some game plays. This year, we’ve got a solid squad.”

Off the back of the LCA NRL Wheelchair Championship, where Tannock represented North Queensland, he said while established stars will attract attention, the emerging talent could be just as important to Australia’s campaign.

“I think all of us have a really red-hot shot this year,” he said.

Standing between the Wheelaroos and World Cup glory are reigning champions England, a side Australia desperately wants to topple.

“I think our biggest obstacle would be England at the present moment… we want to redeem ourselves,” Tannock said.

“We know how England play. They like to get nice and physical, they know the game and they’ve played for years. They’re the world champs. We know the boys that play for them as well, we know how they play and their game tactics, and how to disrupt them.”

Tannock said “backing up your brothers on the court and communication” were key to finishing on top.

As for his personal role within the team, Tannock is hoping to contribute more than just his banter. He said it was important he played his role for the team.

“Just need to do my job on the field,” he said.

While his focus is on the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, Tannock took time to spruce the sport to entice more people to the game.

For anyone considering giving wheelchair rugby league a try, his message is simple.

“Jump in a chair, give it a go,” Tannock said.

“It’s inclusive, so it doesn’t matter if you’re able-bodied or disabled, jump in and give it a go.”