England Wheelchair Head Coach Tom Coyd MBE has named his 16-strong National Performance Squad for 2026, which includes four uncapped players, as the team begin preparations during an all-important Rugby League World Cup year.
Sheffield Eagles duo Stephen Reilly and Joe Wink-Simmonds plus Halifax’s Jordan Holt join the squad after impressive seasons last year.
Reilly and Wink-Simmonds link up having been part of the Eagles squad who made their debut in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League in 2025.
Holt earned his place after playing a pivotal role in the Panthers’ historic treble-winning campaign, lifting the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final trophy to cap off a remarkable Betfred Wheelchair Super League season.
Also looking to make his England Wheelchair debut is Hull FC’s Josh Edwards who was previously selected as part of last year’s squad without featuring.
Joining the newcomers are a series of familiar faces, including many returning from their success in the 2025 Ashes tour in Australia, where they reigned victorious across both Tests.
Included is reigning IRL Wheelchair Golden Boot winner Rob Hawkins, who made history by becoming the first Wheelchair player to win the award for two consecutive seasons in 2025, and fellow team-mates Jack Brown and Finlay O’Neill.
Four London Roosters players have also made the squad. After captaining England to victory in last Autumn’s Ashes tour, Lewis King has secured his place and is joined by team-mates Joe Coyd, Mason Billington and Jason Owen.
The Roosters had an equally dominant season last year, making it to both the Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Finals undefeated, just missing out on the League Leaders’ Shield on points difference.
Luis Domingos and Chris Haynes, also from Sheffield, rejoin the side for 2026. Both players made the squad for the first time in 2025, with Domingos also making his England debut as part of the Ashes success.
The remaining three – Nathan Collins, Josh Butler, and Tristan Norfolk – are from Leeds Rhinos who are seeking to regain their title as League Leaders, after losing the title for the first time to Halifax in 2025.
The squad will gather for the first England camp of the year across at The University of Nottingham this weekend.
Tom Coyd said: “The competition for places in the National Performance Squad is as strong as it has ever been, and that reflects the growth and quality we’re seeing across the domestic game. The depth of talent is a credit to our clubs and coaches up and down the country.
“We’ve got a healthy blend of experience from players who have been part of our recent success, alongside some exciting up-and-coming talent who have earned their opportunity through consistent performances at club level and in our development pathways. Roles within the team will be earned by being at your best every time you come into the England environment.
“Obviously, 2026 being a World Cup year, there is a clear focus on defending the title we worked so hard to win in 2022, but it’s also important that we continue to strengthen the programme for the future. Bringing new players into the environment, challenging the established group, and raising the level of competition across the squad is a big part of that.
“We’re also really excited to begin the year together at the University of Nottingham. The facilities and the support available to us there are world-class and provide an outstanding environment for our players and staff to prepare at the level required for international rugby league.”