The Aussie way: Schumacher backs Wheelaroos to deliver

For Wheelaroos star Zac Schumacher, the chance to renew acquaintances with England at the 2026 World Cup can’t come soon enough.

After pushing the old foe to the limit in the second Ashes Test earlier this month on the Gold Coast, Schumacher knows his team is on the right track, but they will need to first overcome some tough Group B opponents.

The Wheelaroos face gruelling pool matches against New Zealand, Scotland and France before they can even contemplate a shot at taking England’s title.

"We played France in the semi-final at the last World Cup but there was a lot of illness in our camp and we didn’t perform how we wanted to as a team," Schumacher said.

"We'll be aiming for redemption and trying to go all the way next year.

"The likes of France don’t like the way we play because they think it’s too rough but that’s rugby league. That’s why we all play. That's the Aussie way."

The recent Wheelchair Ashes series gave Schumacher confidence that the 'Aussie way' can serve them well at RLWC26 as they recovered from a 56-28 loss in the first Test to go down fighting 48-42 in the second Test.

On the back of some brilliance from Golden Boot nominee Bayley McKenna and Adam Tannock, the Wheelaroos took a 30-18 half-time lead only to have Lewis King's England side power home to take victory.

"The first Test was everyone’s first international game in 12 months and we learned a lot and came out in the second game and a 79th-minute try proved the difference," said Schumacher, who has also been nominated for the prestigious Golden Boot.

"Everyone came into camp [for the second Test] and brought into the game plan and the execution we wanted to do. 

"Bayley is an absolute freak in a chair. I have never seen anyone who can jump and dance his way through contact like him.

"Dan Anstey has good speed and Diab [Karim] and Cory [Cannane] inject the eyes-up footy.

"England are still the benchmark, followed closely by France. We are always planning and trying to improve to give it to England and France in '26."

Currently ranked fourth in the world, the Wheelaroos will revel in home pitch advantage at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong when they go for glory next year.

"We were in London for the pool games at the last World Cup and the atmosphere inside Copper Box Arena with 4000 people there was sensational," Schumacher said.

"That was one of the highlights of my playing career and the exposure for the sport was really good. Being included with the men's and women's tournament really elevated the wheelchair brand.

"Playing at home in Australia will be even bigger. You don’t understand how much a big crowd gives you that adrenalin and helps you perform.

"We play New Zealand to start tournament which is a real 'mate vs mate' rivalry.

"A lot of their players come from Australia so we train with a lot of them and we are good mates but come Round 1 of the World Cup, it's game on.

"Something you will never get used to is tyres exploding and then the smell of the metal grinding together.

"It's something you have to be there to experience."

• For tickets and more information head to