More than a decade ago, Rob Hawkins answered what he thought was an advertisement for wheelchair basketball, setting off a chain of events that led him to become a vital player for England as they defend their Rugby League World Cup title. While the men’s and women’s teams have already returned home, England will face Australia in Wollongong on Tuesday at 08:45 GMT in the semi-finals of the wheelchair competition. The squad aims to move one step closer to becoming the first nation to lift the trophy three times, with the 25-year-old Hawkins playing a prominent role despite battling severe health challenges.
Overcoming Chronic Fatigue to Shine
The England and Halifax Panthers wing entered the sport in 2014 following an accidental discovery, having spent the previous 18 months bedbound due to chronic fatigue syndrome. Before falling ill, Hawkins was athletic and active in running and football, but the illness left him requiring walking frames or family assistance just to reach the toilet, as well as causing him to miss two years of high school education. Wanting to find a new hobby, Hawkins told BBC Sport that he initially looked for a local wheelchair basketball club on television, only to arrive and discover the session was actually for wheelchair rugby league.
Hawkins decided to try it out, spending about 20 minutes in a chair before his body forced him to stop, but the experience left him wanting to return and improve. He explained to BBC Sport that finding out he could play internationally revived a competitive drive he had lost since falling ill. His progression has led to major accolades, including winning the International Wheelchair Player of the Year award and receiving the IRL Golden Boot Award in 2024 and 2025, alongside being Super League’s reigning Wheels of Steel winner as the competition’s best player.
Despite his success, Hawkins still manages his condition by pacing himself and resting on days when his energy drops. He noted that he is ultimately happy to have experienced the condition because it taught him a different perspective on life and helped him connect with people he otherwise might not have met.
World Cup Semi-Final Journey
England enters the semi-final against hosts Australia as favourites, having topped Pool A after a 98-18 victory over Wales, a 134-0 win against the USA, and a 68-32 defeat of Ireland. Meanwhile, Australia recorded heavy wins against New Zealand and Scotland before suffering a 69-34 loss to France, who finished as runners-up four years ago. Having faced Australia closely in the 2025 Ashes, Hawkins stated that England is not underestimating their opponents and welcomes the atmosphere in Wollongong.
Hawkins expressed excitement for the pressure of playing the hosts in front of a strong crowd, adding that the team is confident in executing their game plan. He mentioned that the team keeps ladders in their team room, spray-painting them gold after every victory. With every win marking progress up the ladder, the team is fully focused on the upcoming match against Australia.
In other tournament news, Wales secured a spot in the fifth-place play-off final after Paul Williams scored five tries in a 64-36 victory over New Zealand. During the match, captain Jodie Boyd-Ward scored two tries and became the first player in Wheelchair World Cup history to reach 50 caps. Wales will conclude their tournament by facing Scotland in Wollongong on Thursday.
