Rob Hawkins discovered wheelchair rugby league by accident in 2014 after spending 18 months bedridden with chronic fatigue syndrome. The Halifax Panthers wing has since become one of the sport's standout players, winning the IRL Golden Boot Award in 2024 and 2025 as International Wheelchair Player of the Year. He also claimed the Super League's Wheels of Steel award as the competition's best player.
Hawkins, 25, was instrumental in England's World Cup triumph four years ago in Manchester. England now face Australia in Wollongong on Tuesday at 08:45 GMT in the semi-finals, bidding to become the first nation to win the wheelchair title three times.
Managing his condition remains an ongoing challenge, with Hawkins requiring extra rest on difficult days. He credits wheelchair rugby league with reconnecting him to competitive sport and helping him build relationships he might not have otherwise made.
