Leeds Rhinos were well beaten 92-24 by holders Halifax Panthers in Saturday’s Wheelchair Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

Rhinos led twice early on at Robin Park Arena, in Wigan, but were undone by a remarkable performance from Panthers’ England star Rob Hawkins who scored 10 tries and 15 goals, from 16 attempts, for a stunning 70-point haul.

That overshadowed a big effort by Josh Butler. He scored all four of Rhinos’ tries, each converted by Nathan Collins. England captain Tom Halliwell was among Leeds’ substitutes, making only his second appearance since suffering a shoulder injury two years ago.

Josh Butler scores for Leeds Rhinos in their Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup final defeat by Halifax Panthers at Robin Park Arena in Wigan. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Josh Butler scores for Leeds Rhinos in their Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup final defeat by Halifax Panthers at Robin Park Arena in Wigan. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

Rhinos players were among the try scorers when England women beat France 38-4 at Toulouse Olympique’s Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday. Leeds’ Lucy Murray and Ella Donnelly both bagged a brace for an England side which also included their clubmates Evie Cousins, Keara Bennett and Ruby Bruce. England trailed 4-0 to two France penalties, but were 28-4 ahead at half-time.