Two Leeds Rhinos players have been named in England’s 10-strong squad for the upcoming Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

Rhinos’ Nathan Collins and Tristan Norfolk will make the trip Down Under after featuring in yesterday’s (Sunday) Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final defeat by Halifax Panthers. Other players in the squad are London Roosters’ Mason Billington, Joe Coyd and Lewis King; Jack Brown, Rob Hawkins and Finlay O’Neill of Halifax and Sheffield Eagles duo Luis Domingos and Chris Haynes.

England Wheelchair coach Tom Coyd said: “Selecting a World Cup squad is never easy, but this group has earned the opportunity through their performances, commitment and professionalism throughout the programme. We have a blend of experienced international players and those who have emerged through the pathway and together I believe we can be a team that’s hard to play against, with the versatility to win in different ways.”

Leeds Rhinos' Nathan Collins evades a tackle by fellow England star Jack Brown, of Halifax Panthers, in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

He added: “Every player understands what it means to wear the England shirt and the responsibility that comes with it. Yesterday’s brilliant Wheelchair Super League Grand Final was a testament to the special community that we are privileged to represent on the world stage.

“We’ve had an outstanding preparation period which will continue with our final camp on the weekend of October 3/4 at St George’s Park before we fly out to Australia on October 22. The squad has developed a real connection on and off the field.

“They’ve challenged each other to get better all the time and we’ve seen significant growth across the group. We are excited for the tough challenges ahead and the players have earned the right to be confident in the work they've put in.”

England’s campaign begins against Wales - whose squad includes Rhinos’ Jodie Boyd-Ward - on Friday, October 30, followed by clashes with USA (November 3) and Ireland (November 6), all at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

England Wheelchair World Cup squad: Mason Billington (London Roosters), Jack Brown (Halifax Panthers), Nathan Collins (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Coyd (London), Luis Domingos (Sheffield Eagles), Rob Hawkins (Halifax), Chris Haynes (Sheffield), Lewis King (London), Tristan Norfolk (Leeds), Finlay O’Neill (Halifax).