Wheelaroos train with rivals ahead of Test as game grows in NZ

Wheelaroos players praised the improvement of the Wheel Kiwis after the two teams held a joint training session in the lead up to the second Test in Auckland on Monday.

After triumphing 98-4 in the first trans-Tasman Test last Friday, the Wheelaroos coach Brett Clarke and his players offered to help their opponents – most of whom are new to sport – before the re-match at Eventfinda Stadium.

While Australia won 110-8, it was widely agreed that the Wheel Kiwis had learned from the training session and would continue to improve with further games.

“As we have said multiple times, us helping to improve New Zealand helps us and in turn helps you again to help make this the best region for rugby league,” Wheelaroos captain Brad Grove told the Wheel Kiwis players after the match.

“To see where you have come, just in the last few days, has been fantastic so I’m really looking forward to seeing what you can do in the future and where this sport goes.”

The Wheel Kiwis are aiming to take part in the 2026 World Cup and NZRL national football operations manager David McMeeken said that New Zealand's inaugural wheelchair Test had generated interest among potential players.

“Whilst the score line can be awarded to Australia, the win is for the game here in New Zealand and the wider community of Wheelchair Rugby League adding another nation to playing this great game," McMeekan said.

“Following the game, our management were inundated with wheelchair athletes reaching out to get involved going forward, for which we are extremely grateful to Australia for being a part of our inauguration to International Rugby League.”

Wheel Kiwis coach Edie George said the joint training session on Sunday was a boost to his team - of which just four of the 11 players had previously played wheelchair rugby league.

“Yesterday’s training goes to show how much the sport is growing and developing,” George said. “To Brett Clarke and the Wheelaroos, thank you for coming out and showing our boys a thing or two.

“To my guys, I couldn’t be more proud of the effort and how much you have learned in only eight hours of training and how far you guys have come.

“One thing we strive for was our manawa, or heart, and that is what the boys have shown.

"I couldn’t be more proud and I think the Wheel Kiwis should be celebrated at the same level as the men and the Kiwi Ferns too.”

After scoring a record 44 points in the first Test, Bayley McKenna finished with a game high 24-point haul from four tries and four goals, while Daniel Anstey followed up his five try effort on Friday with another five tries as well as a goal.

Man-of-the-match Zac Schumacher was among four players to score two tries apiece and also landed seven goals.

McMeeken also thanked Disability Sport Auckland (DSA) and the Warriors Foundation for their support of the Wheel Kiwis and the inaugural trans-Tasman Test series.

Australia 110: Daniel Anstey 5, Bayley McKenna 4, Brad Grove 4, Cory Cannane 2, Zac Schumacher 2, Toby Popple 2, Diab Karim 2 tries; Zac Schumacher 7, Bayley McKenna 4, Daniel Anstey, Toby Popple goals.

New Zealand 8: Tries: Ryan Charles, Jamie Tapp tries. 

Half time: 66-0.

Man of the match: Zac Schumacher