
9 Nov 2022
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Team of Round 2
The top 10 players from the second round of matches as judged by our expert panel
By Josh Graham
The two favourites for the wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, England and France, secured their place in the semi-finals after Round 2 but there was plenty more action.
Here are the 10 players selected by our expert panel based on their performances in Round.
Robert Hawkins (England)
Halifax hero Robert Hawkins scored a sensational five tries in the win over Spain for the hosts.
Bayley McKenna (Australia)
Wheelaroos star Bayley McKenna landed himself a cool 32-point haul in the 76-18 win over Ireland, scoring a hat-trick and slotting 10 goals to be selected for this side for the second week running.
Arno Vargas (France)
Arno Vargas showed he was all class in the 80-15 win over the Bravehearts, chalking up two tries, 136 metres, five line breaks and 10 tackles.
Stuart Williams (Wales)
Wales captain Stuart Williams showed plenty of character to help his side bounce back from their France humbling to beat the USA 50-32 and the player of the match led by example with a hat-trick of tries and 11 tackle breaks.
Michael Mellon (Scotland)
Michael Mellon put on a valiant display in a losing cause against Les Chanticleers, racking up 167 metres carried, 17 tackle breaks.
Interchange
Nicolass Clausells (France) finished with 30 points after scoring four tries and kicking seven goals for France in the 80-15 win over Scotland.
Jack Brown (England) carried his fine form from Australia into Spain, using his silky skills to add another two tries to his tournament tally.
Brad Grove (Australia) the Australia captain led by example to get the Wheelaroos' campaign back on track as he chipped in with a try, an assist and 20 tackles in defence.
James McCarthy (Ireland) was all about 2s against the Australians, registering two tries and 22 tackles against strong opposition in the 76-18 reverse for the Wolfhounds.
Scott Trigg-Turner (Wales) was another crucial cog in that win over the Hawks, making his contribution tell with a try and nine tackle breaks.
The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets