Arabic version: فينلاي أونيل يستهدف نجاحاً في كأس العالم مع إنجلترا

According to BBC News, Finlay O’Neill is preparing to make his Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup debut after moving from the running game to become part of England’s 10-player squad for the tournament in Wollongong, Australia. England, the defending champions, begin against Wales on Friday before facing the USA and Ireland.

O’Neill, 21, was diagnosed with shallow kneecaps and hypermobility after dislocating his knee while playing rugby league at 16. Ongoing pain and difficulties on the field appeared to end his sporting prospects, but encouragement from his family led him to wheelchair rugby league with Halifax Panthers. He has since earned his first England call-up in August 2025 and played in the Ashes series in Australia last October and November.

The Halifax player said adapting to the wheelchair game required more than his existing rugby knowledge. While he brought passing ability and an understanding of the game, he had to learn how to control and manipulate a chair at speed while catching, passing and preparing for the next play. O’Neill said the move had been “a blessing” and described wheelchair rugby league as even better than the running version.

O’Neill joins Halifax team-mates Jack Brown and Rob Hawkins in coach Tom Coyd’s squad. Brown and Hawkins were members of England’s 2022 World Cup-winning side, which beat France in the final, while O’Neill watched that match on television. The three have also helped Halifax win domestic trebles in each of the past two seasons.

One of five England World Cup debutants, O’Neill combines the sport with a job at a local supermarket. He said England are confident before travelling to Australia and are focused on winning the tournament rather than simply defending the title. The World Cup runs from 30 October to 13 November.