Toby Popple: ‘The sound of metal on metal, you can’t beat it’

For Australian Wheelaroos squad member Toby Popple, wheelchair rugby league is much more than a sport – it is a community built on inclusion, camaraderie and fierce competition.

Fresh from representing the ACT at the LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships at the Gold Coast, Popple is chasing a place in Australia’s final squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, driven by a desire to make his family, teammates and community proud.

What first drew the Wagga Wagga product to the game was its ability to bring everyone together, regardless of background or ability.

“The inclusivity of it, that’s was drew me to the sport,” Popple said.

“You’re able to play alongside your dad, brother, sister, cousin, your best mate… disability or no disability, it doesn’t matter.”

While inclusivity was the initial attraction, Popple quickly discovered another aspect of the game he loved.

“It’s the contact… being aggressive,” he said.

“The sound of metal on metal, you can’t beat it. It’s one of a kind and it’s what makes our sport so unique.”

Popple first got involved in the sport through referee Tim Robinson, after losing his leg following a car accident.

At first, Popple watched a representative match in Queanbeyan. But sitting on the sidelines didn’t last long.

“After the game I was like ‘can I jump in a chair and have a try?’” he said.

The opportunity to have a go came in Canberra. Within months, his talent was recognised and following a friendly match against a Sydney side, Popple received a call-up to the New South Wales squad to further develop his game.

“I haven’t looked back since,” Popple said.

Now part of the Wheelaroos extended squad, Popple understands the significance of wearing green and gold. Having previously represented Australia twice before in New Zealand, he describes the jersey as the pinnacle of the sport and a symbol of everyone who has helped build wheelchair rugby league in Australia.

“This jersey is what we play the sport for,” he said.

“To pull on this jersey, you’re representing where you’re from, everyone that built the sport in the past… it’s the platforms that have been laid by everyone to get to this point… you’re representing them as well as your own family, your community and everyone else.”

The recent national championships, and Wheelaroos camp that followed, provided important steps in his World Cup preparations.

Playing for the ACT at the Gold Coast, Popple said it was clear the game was growing rapidly. With Wheelaroos players returning to the tournament and development pathways continuing to strengthen, he said the standard reached new heights this year.

“The games were a lot quicker, a lot more intense, a lot more physical,” he said.

“The top-level players were great with developing players as well… everyone’s happy to jump in, help out and get everyone up to the same standard. It was really special… it was great to be a part of.”

“I bring a bit of humour, aggression and a little bit of calmness,” he said.

“I think in our sport we can get a bit frantic… I like to think of myself as a bit of that calm head.”

“My goal for World Cup is to make the eight and be able to represent my family,” he said.

“And if I get on and get the opportunity to prove myself on the world stage, I just want to make my team proud… all my teammates, I want them to be able to trust me… I want to make my coach, teammates and family proud.”

Popple reinforced it was an opportunity to represent those who had supported him throughout his journey and leave everything on the court.