Three stars from Halifax Panthers’ brilliant treble-winning team have been called-up to the England Wheelchair squad that will go for glory at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, in Australia.

Jack Brown, Rob Hawkins and Finlay O'Neill have been named by head coach Tom Coyd MBE, who has selected a group featuring players from four clubs across the domestic game, with London Roosters and Panthers providing the largest contingent with three representatives a piece. Leeds Rhinos and Sheffield Eagles each supply two members of the squad.

The squad includes several players who were part of England's successful World Cup-winning campaign on home soil in 2022 and have continued to establish themselves among the elite performers in Wheelchair Rugby League.

Joining the Panthers’ trio in the squad are London Roosters’ Mason Billington, Joe Coyd and Lewis King, Leeds Rhinos pair Nathan Collins and Tristan Norfolk and Sheffield Eagles’ Luis Domingos and Chris Haynes.

Finlay O'Neill is one of three Panthers players in the England World Cup squad.

placeholder image — Finlay O'Neill is one of three Panthers players in the England World Cup squad.

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.

"Every player understands what it means to wear the England shirt and the responsibility that comes with it. The 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 and 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 begin their World Cup campaign against Wales on Friday, October 30. They face USA on Tuesday, November 3 before taking on Ireland on Friday, November 6. All three group-stage fixtures will take place at the WIN Entertainment Centre, in Wollongong.