Brown and Calcott set for family showdown as England Wheelchair face Ireland

England Wheelchair's final group match at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup will have an added family twist, with Jack Brown set to come up against brother Joe Calcott when England face Ireland on Friday (K.O. 6.30am).

The Halifax Panthers teammates will put club loyalties to one side as two unbeaten sides battle for top spot in the group, with both nations already assured of a place in the semi-finals after victories over Wales and the USA.

England secured their spot with successive commanding wins, while Ireland have also enjoyed an impressive tournament to date, setting up an exciting contest between the two.

For Brown, the opportunity to face his brother on the international stage is one he is eagerly anticipating:

"I'm really looking forward to playing Ireland," said Brown.

"I get to have a slog against my brother, but I think he's going to be putting a target on my back."

Calcott, who represents Ireland, is equally excited by the prospect of going head-to-head with his brother.

"I can't wait.

"We, Ireland, are still quite a developing country, but we've massively improved over the last couple of seasons.

"We've got drawn England, and yeah, I'm excited to play him [Jack]. It's going to be a really tough game.

"It's one of those where on that court, he'll have to be my enemy for a bit, but I know I'll still love him and it's going to be the same way for him with me."

While a place in the last four is already secured for both nations, there will still be plenty on the line when they meet on Friday morning, with group honours and family bragging rights up for grabs:

For one game at least, the brothers will be on opposite sides of the rivalry, before club teammates once again become family after the final whistle.

Watch England v Ireland live on Friday 6 November with a Premier Sports Subscription (KO 6am GMT).