NRL Wheelchair have named their 10-player Wheelaroos squad for Rugby League World Cup 2026, marking a major milestone in the team’s preparations to take on the world’s best on home soil.

Following an extensive selection and preparation process, the team brings together a strong combination of experience, skill, speed and versatility as Australia prepares to compete on the world stage.

Bayley McKenna was announced as the new Wheelaroos captain following the retirement of Brad Groves, who has joined the Seven commentary team for RLWC26.

NRL Wheelchair CEO Anna Fitzgerald congratulated the players selected and said representing Australia at a home World Cup would be a significant honour.

“On behalf of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, I congratulate the 10 players selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” said Fitzgerald.

“Selection for the Wheelaroos is an enormous achievement and reflects the commitment, hard work and performances of these players throughout the campaign.

“We are incredibly proud of the team that will represent Australia, and equally appreciative of every player who has been part of the broader Wheelaroos program and contributed to our preparations.

“I also congratulate Bayley on his appointment as captain. It is a tremendous honour to lead your country, particularly at a World Cup on home soil, and we know he will take great pride in leading the Wheelaroos.

“We also want people to watch this team and see Wheelchair Rugby League for what it is – Rugby League. It’s fast, physical, skilful and fiercely competitive, and these players are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Australia."

Photo: Newly appointed Wheelaroos captain Bayley McKenna. @NRL Wheelchair

Wheelaroos Head Coach Brett Clark said team selection was an important milestone after months of preparation and competition for places.

“Selecting a World Cup team is never easy and there were some very difficult decisions to make,” Clark said.

“We’ve selected a group that we believe gives us the right balance of experience, skill, speed and versatility to compete against the best teams in the world.

"Every player brings something different to this team, and we’re confident in the group we’ve selected.

“The standards across the group have continued to rise and the players have pushed each other throughout the preparation period, which is exactly what we want heading into a World Cup.

“There is still plenty of work ahead of us, but our ambition is clear – we want to be the best in the world and we’re excited about the opportunity to represent Australia in front of a home crowd.”

The Wheelaroos will head into the Rugby League World Cup with the ongoing support of the NRL, alongside AtkinsRéalis (Presenting Partner), Advocates Online (Official Partner), Astris PME (Equipment Partner), Classic Sports (Official Apparel Partner).

The team will continue its preparations over the coming weeks ahead of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Wollongong.

Australian Wheelaroos – 2026 Rugby League World Cup team

Bayley McKenna (Captain)

Daniel Anstey

Peter Arbuckle

Cory Cannane

Diab Karim

Liam Luff

Toby Popple

Stephan Rochecouste

Zac Schumacher

Adam Tannock

Head Coach: Brett Clark