Wheel Kiwis co-captains Kauri Murray and Jack Brown are examples of how Wheelcchair rugby league is creating a pathway into the game for many disabled athletes - and, for some, a pathway back.

Murray, who was left paralysed in his left leg after suffering a reaction to a polio vaccine as an infant, believes wheelchair rugby league is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the game is inclusive as it welcomes disabled and non-disabled athletes alike.

"We have many people from many walks of life, and they all have incredible stories to tell," Murray said.

"I always wanted to play rugby league growing up, and I've always tried to find ways to fill that hole. 

"A lot of those stories relate to us playing rugby league in the past and now being unable to play. Now wheelchair rugby league is our option."

At 18 years-of-age, Jack Brown was in a car accident that left him paralysed. Brown took up wheelchair basketball but felt the sport wasn't satisfying his itch for the contact rugby league can provide.

Having played rugby union for 14 years prior to his accident, Brown craved the physicality he felt was missing from wheelchair basketball.

"I missed that level of contact," he said. "After my injury, I got into basketball, but I got sent off every game for fouling."

Brown discovered wheelchair rugby league socially three years ago and quickly found the competitive edge he'd been searching for.

"I love the contact. I want to get out there and smash and barge. You don't get that from basketball," Brown commented.

The experiences of Murray and Brown highlight the code's growing ability to create opportunities, whether that's people returning to the game they love or introducing them to rugby league for the first time.

Although their journeys into the sport may be different, both players found the same thing: a place where disability wasn’t a barrier to taking part in the rugby league.

New Zealand coach Edie George has been encouraged by the side’s rapid growth since the inauguration of Wheel Kiwis in 2024.

“The respect, the banter, the camaraderie. I’ve never seen a group of people gel together this quickly,” commended George.

“Our biggest strength is our culture.”

Photo: The Wheel Kiwis made their international debut in 2024. @NZRL

George trusts that the sport’s growing profile is creating greater visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities. 

With disabled and non-disabled athletes competing together, George highlights that wheelchair rugby league offers a rare level of inclusivity, expanding participation opportunities while strengthening the game through a wider talent pool.

Having been involved with wheelchair rugby league since 2020, George is confident that the Wheel Kiwis can make an impression at their first-ever Wheelchair World Cup.

“Our goal is to show the world we’re competitive and make our country proud," he said.

With the Wheel Kiwi's only in their third year of operation, wheelchair rugby league in New Zealand is still in its infancy.

Despite that, the team has lofty ambitions ahead of October’s Rugby League World Cup, where the wheelchair rugby league tournament will run alongside the Men's and Women's competitions. 

"We're Kiwis; we love sport, and we love contact," Brown said.

"We might not be at the top yet, but it’ll be a great experience for the team."

The Wheel Kiwis open their campaign against Australia on October 31, before meeting France on November 3 and Scotland on November 6. All games are at Wollongong's WIN Entertainment Centre.

“Hopefully, we can inspire Kiwis who can’t compete in traditional sport that there’s always an opportunity in rugby league,” George said.

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