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\n England pivot Nathan Collins and captain Lewis King with Wheelaroos captain Brad Grove and coach Brett Clark at the launch of the Wheelchair Ashes Series.
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The highly anticipated 2025 Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Test Series between the Australian Wheelaroos and England was officially launched with a prestigious Ministerial Reception at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane.<\/p>\n
Hosted by Tim Mander MP, Minister of Sport and Racing, and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event marked the beginning of a world-class international contest between the Australian Wheelaroos and reigning World Champions, England \u2014 two of the most dominant forces in the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to be hosting our elite Wheelchair Rugby League athletes here in Queensland, Australia\u2019s sporting capital,\u201d Minister Mander said.<\/p>\n
“As we gear up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland is committed to becoming a global leader in para sport and a premier destination for inclusive, world-class sporting events.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s always an electric atmosphere when Australia and England face off, and I encourage everyone to head to the Gold Coast to cheer on our mighty Wheelaroos.”<\/p>\n
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\n England pivot Nathan Collins and captain Lewis King with Wheelaroos captain Brad Grove and coach Brett Clark at the launch of the Wheelchair Ashes Series.
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The series kicks off this Thursday on the Gold Coast, with the Wheelaroos set to defend the Ashes on home soil in what promises to be a fast-paced, tactically brilliant, and physically intense showdown.<\/p>\n
A key moment of the ceremony was the official Wheelaroos jersey presentation, underscoring the honour and responsibility of national representation at the highest level.<\/p>\n
Australian captain Brad Grove, preparing for his 20th international cap, said the team is primed for elite competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cRepresenting Australia is always a privilege, and today\u2019s reception at Parliament House truly shows how far our sport has progressed,” Groves said.<\/p>\n
“Being welcomed on this stage is a reminder of the responsibility we carry. This Ashes Series will be elite, fast-paced and fiercely competitive \u2014 and we\u2019re ready to do our country proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
England captain, Lewis King, said the team has arrived determined and focused on reclaiming the Ashes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rivalry between England and Australia is unlike any other, and that\u2019s what makes the Ashes so special. We have enormous respect for the Wheelaroos, but we\u2019re here with one goal \u2014 to bring the Ashes back home,” King said.<\/p>\n
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\n The Wheelchair World Cup was on display at Queensland Parliament for the Ashes Series launch.
\n \u00a9NRL Wheelchair
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NRL Wheelchair Chair Darren Gocher said the reception reflects the sport\u2019s evolution into a high-performance discipline.<\/p>\n
\u201cWheelchair Rugby League has reached a new level. This series showcases elite performance and drives of world-class competition for both nations. It\u2019s not just a contest \u2014 it\u2019s a benchmark for international wheelchair sport,” Gocher said.<\/p>\n
Wheelchair Rugby League continues to grow rapidly in participation, professionalism, and public profile, inspiring fans through its electrifying athleticism, tactical brilliance, and the personal resilience of its athletes.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Ashes Series is expected to attract record attendance and livestream audiences both domestically and internationally.<\/p>\n
2025 Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Series<\/p>\n
First Test: Thursday, 30 October 2025, 4pm\u00a0
Second Test: Sunday, 2 November 2025, 3pm<\/p>\n