Finlay O’Neill on switching from running game to wheelchair rugby league ahead of 2026 World Cup
A difficult change of direction
O’Neill’s knee continued to cause pain and problems on the field after it popped back into place. With encouragement from his family, the Halifax teenager transferred his rugby skills to wheelchair rugby league with Halifax Panthers.
He said he would not have believed that being unable to play running rugby again could lead to something better. Discovering wheelchair rugby league, he said, had been a blessing.
Learning a different game
O’Neill brought his rugby understanding and passing ability to the wheelchair game, but had to learn how to move a chair while playing. He does not use a wheelchair in everyday life.
He described the need to steer, catch, pass and quickly prepare for the next play as a major challenge. In the running game, he said, movement happens without the same conscious effort.
England World Cup preparations
After three years of rapid progress, O’Neill is in the England squad aiming to defend its Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup title in Australia. He received his first England call-up in August 2025 and played in the Ashes series there in October and November.
England begin against Wales on Friday at 04:30 BST, then face the USA and Ireland. France, whom England beat in a dramatic final four years ago, are in the other pool with Scotland, New Zealand and hosts Australia.
Playmaking and title ambitions
O’Neill says he is more of a playmaker than a try-scorer, with a strength in putting teammates through gaps. He said his link with Jack and Rob relies on instinct rather than needing to talk during play.
He said he had pledged to give everything over the next two years to contend for the World Cup, and that goal had been achieved. England are confident, he said, and intend to win the title rather than simply defend it.
How the sports differ
Wheelchair rugby league uses an oval ball and follows many conventions of the running game. Developed in France as a way to include people with disabilities, it allows disabled and non-disabled players on the same team.
Matches last 80 minutes, with teams allowed up to two non-disabled and three disabled players on the field at once. The description of wheelchair rugby says it uses a round ball, teams of four and four eight-minute quarters; a score requires two wheels to cross the goal line while the player controls the ball, and there are no conversions.
Key points
- O’Neill changed to wheelchair rugby league after a knee injury prevented him from continuing in the running game.
- He earned his first England call-up in August 2025 and played in the Ashes in Australia.
- England’s World Cup campaign opens against Wales before matches with the USA and Ireland.
- O’Neill says England are going to Australia to win the title, not merely defend it.