Batley and Castleford players selected for England Wheelchair Tri-Series in York

Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Finals are not the only significant Rugby League action in York this weekend.

The following day, at the superb facilities of the University of York’s Sports Centre, 24 of England’s finest Wheelchair Rugby League players will gather for a Tri-Series – and all will have this autumn’s Ashes tour of Australia in their minds.

England Head Coach Tom Coyd MBE and his support staff have spread the net more widely than ever following an Invitational Festival in Nottingham last month, with nine clubs represented – including first selections for fledgling clubs Batley Bulldogs and Castleford Tigers, and one brand new contender who is a talent transfer athlete from Wheelchair Basketball.

Batley, who like Castleford are in their first year of Wheelchair Rugby League, are represented by their captain, Thomas Oates, and the Tigers by Luis Domingos, who has returned to Wheelchair Rugby League after representing Portugal in Wheelchair Basketball – and was Player of the Match in their Challenge Trophy triumph last month.

Coyd has also invited Jack Neatis, a completely new name for Wheelchair Rugby League having previously played Basketball with Lancaster.

They will join more familiar names, including seven members of England’s 2022 World Cup winning squad – with an eighth, Tom Halliwell OBE, given a coaching role as he is currently awaiting shoulder surgery.

Halifax Panthers have seven players selected including 2024 Golden Boot winner Rob Hawkins and Jack Brown, who has returned to his native Yorkshire after several years in Australia.

Chris Haynes, who became the first Sheffield Eagles player to represent England against Spain last autumn, is joined by three team-mates from the 2025 Betfred Wheelchair Super League newcomers – Martin Lane, Stephen Reilly and Joe Wink-Simmonds.

There are also four London Roosters including last year’s talent transfer sensation Mason Billington, with three Leeds Rhinos, Tristan Norfolk and the uncapped Josh Edwards from Hull FC, and Sebastien Bechara of the Catalans Dragons to make the familiar journey from Perpignan.

Halliwell will assist Sheffield’s Greg Brown as coaches of a Red Team including Bechara, Haynes and Halifax veteran Wayne Boardman.

Hull FC head coach Mike Swainger will be assisted by England’s John McMullen for the Green Team including Billington, Domingos and Jack Brown, while the Yellow Team including Hawkins and Nathan Collins will be coached by Ian Stapleton of Warrington Wolves assisted by Michael Collins of Leeds.

Spectators are welcome for the three 40-minute matches, which kick off at midday – with entry free. The teams are listed below.

Details of England’s first trip to Australia since 2019 will be confirmed next week.

Meanwhile Leeds Rhinos secured their place in the 2025 Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Semi Finals with a 48-44 win at Hull FC on Sunday.

The Rhinos will now play the winners of this weekend’s Quarter Final between Wigan Warriors and London Roosters in the last four.

Tri-Series Teams:

Red Team: Martin Lane (Sheffield Eagles), Wayne Boardman (Halifax Panthers), Chris Haynes (Sheffield Eagles), Seb Bechara (Catalans Dragons), Tristan Norfolk (Hull FC), Nathaniel Wright (Halifax Panthers), Stephen Reilly (Sheffield Eagles), Josh Butler (Leeds Rhinos). Coach – Greg Brown (Sheffield Eagles). Assistant Coach – Tom Halliwell (Leeds Rhinos).

Green Team: Joe Wink-Simmonds (Sheffield Eagles), Joe Coyd (London Roosters), Mason Billington (London Roosters), Jason Owen (London Roosters), Josh Edwards (Hull FC), Luis Domingos (Castleford Tigers), Jack Brown (Halifax Panthers), Finlay O’Neill (Halifax Panthers). Coach – Mike Swainger (Hull FC).  Assistant Coach – John McMullen (RFL).

Yellow Team: Thomas Oates (Batley Bulldogs), Ewan Clibbens (Leeds Rhinos), Lewis King (London Roosters), Jordan Holt (Halifax Panthers), Jack Neatis (Wigan Warriors), Rob Hawkins (Halifax Panthers), Nathan Collins (Leeds Rhinos), Nathan Holmes (Halifax Panthers). Coach – Ian Stapleton (Warrington Wolves). Assistant Coach – Michael Collins (Leeds Rhinos).