Finlay O'Neill thought his rugby league career was over after a knee injury at 16. Diagnosed with shallow kneecaps and hypermobility, he faced the end of his sporting dreams. But after family encouragement, he discovered wheelchair rugby league with Halifax Panthers.
Over three years, O'Neill rose rapidly, earning an England call-up in August 2025 and playing in the Ashes series. Now 21, he is part of the England squad defending their Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup title in Wollongong, Australia. He describes the transition from running to wheelchair rugby as challenging but rewarding, requiring new physical skills like chair manipulation while retaining his rugby brain and playmaking instincts.
O'Neill, one of five debutants in the squad, credits his Halifax teammates Jack Brown and Rob Hawkins for their instinctive connection on the pitch. He aims to justify the faith of coaches Tom Coyd and Wayne Boardman, having committed fully to his international career. England opens against Wales, with France, Australia, and New Zealand among the rivals.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing