England pulled off a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Australia 48-42 in the final Test and clinch the Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes 2-0 on the Gold Coast.
Trailing 30-18 at half-time, the visitors produced a dominant display after the break, scoring six tries to turn the match around. Rob Hawkins, named Player of the Series, crossed twice, while captain Lewis King completed a hat-trick to inspire the turnaround.
Australia made a fast start with Diab Karim scoring inside two minutes, followed by tries from Bayley McKenna (2), Adam Tannock, and Dan Anstey. But once Jack Brown took charge in the second half — scoring two tries and setting up two more — momentum shifted firmly in England’s favour.
The hosts briefly drew level at 42-42 through Zac Schumacher and Anstey, but Joe Coyd sealed the win with a decisive try two minutes from time after a slick pass from substitute Mason Billington.
Australia will host the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2026, and though England and France remain dominant forces, the competitive series showed just how far the ‘Wheelaroos’ have progressed.
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