Yesterday afternoon the ARL Commission and NZRL announced that the Australian and New Zealand teams have officially withdrawn from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in October, citing player welfare and safety concerns.

From a Wheelchair Rugby League perspective, the selection process for the Wheelaroos team has proved to be problematic due to border restrictions.

As an organisation, we are continuing to investigate representative-level football options, including the 2021 State of Origin or a National Championships event.

Rugby League World Cup organisers have yet to formally respond to the withdrawal announcement.

The Wheelchair Rugby League Board will be meeting tomorrow to discuss this matter further.

We will advise of news and developments as they come to hand.

Martin Meredith

Chair

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia