NSW and Queensland name teams for 2026 NRL Wheelchair State Challenge 

New South Wales and Queensland have named their teams for the 2026 NRL Wheelchair State Challenge, with the interstate rivals set to go head-to-head at Bennelong Sports Centre in West Ryde on Sunday 6 September. 

The annual State Challenge will bring together some of the country’s leading Wheelchair Rugby League players for one of the most anticipated fixtures on the domestic calendar. 

NRL Wheelchair Rugby League CEO, Anna Fitzgerald said the State Challenge continues to showcase the strength and growth of the sport. 

“The rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland is something special in Rugby League, and that passion is every bit as strong in Wheelchair Rugby League,” Anna said. 

“The State Challenge gives us another opportunity to showcase the speed, skill and physicality of our sport and some of the incredible athletes involved.   

 “Both states have selected strong teams and we’re expecting a highly competitive game at Bennelong Sports Centre. 

“Queensland brings plenty of firepower, with the skill and creativity of Bayley McKenna, the speed of Dan Anstey and the power and experience of Pete Arbuckle. New South Wales has plenty of its own strike power, led by in-form Diab Karim, National Championships Player of the Tournament Cory Cannane and long-standing Wheelaroos captain Brad Grove. 

“When you bring players of that calibre together in an interstate contest, you know you’re going to see some outstanding Wheelchair Rugby League. These are some of the best players in the world and we’re expecting a fast, physical and highly entertaining contest. 

“We’d encourage Rugby League fans and the wider community to come along, experience Wheelchair Rugby League and get behind the Blues and Maroons.” 

The Y NSW COO George Perry said the venue is looking forward to welcoming players and spectators for the State Challenge. 

“We’re proud to host the NRL Wheelchair State Challenge this Father’s Day and bring the excitement of the New South Wales versus Queensland rivalry to the Y Bennelong Sports Centre,” he said. 

“This event reflects the Y’s commitment to making sport accessible and inclusive for everyone, while showcasing the talent and athleticism of Wheelchair Rugby League players. 

“This is a great opportunity for families and the wider community to come together, support the athletes, and experience a truly thrilling sporting spectacle.” 

With the game falling on Father’s Day and free entry for spectators, families are encouraged to make an afternoon of it and experience some of Australia’s best Wheelchair Rugby League players in action. 

New South Wales 

• Brad Grove (C) 

• Toby Popple (VC) 

• Diab Karim 

• Cory Cannane 

• Joey Abboud 

• Liam Luff 

• Stephan Rouchecouste 

• Brad Burns 

• Jai Coomber 

• Edge Iole 

Coach: Diab Karim

Queensland 

• Pete Arbuckle 

• Dan Anstey 

• Jack Kruger 

• Brett Bazley 

• Bayley McKenna (C) 

• Zac Schumacher 

• Adam Tannock 

Coach: Jeff Wright 

Event details – 2026 NRL Wheelchair State Challenge
New South Wales v Queensland 

Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Bennelong Sports Centre, West Ryde
Entry: Free