What’s happening?
A FREE Wheelchair Rugby League Come and Try session will be held at Rockhampton State High School on Saturday, 21 February from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
A second FREE session will take place at the Calliope Community Centre in Gladstone on Sunday, 22 February from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
The events are open to all ages, genders and skill levels. People living with disabilities and able-bodied participants compete together on the same team.
Organisers describe NRL Wheelchair as “a uniquely inclusive version of Rugby League, where people living with disability and able-bodied participants play together on the same team.”
They add the sport provides “a fun, fast-paced and supportive environment for anyone keen to get involved, whether as a participant, volunteer, supporter or spectator.”
Carers, parents, siblings, cousins, friends and community members are welcome to take part. No prior experience is required and participants do not need to know the rules.
Sports wheelchairs will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring enclosed shoes and enthusiasm.
Registration is free via Humanitix for both the Rockhampton and Gladstone sessions.
Why it matters
This is a major year for the sport. The NRL Wheelchair National Championships will be held in July at Coomera Indoor Sports.
The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will take place in October, with the Wheelaroos to be televised nationally.
Many of the Wheelaroos proudly originate from Queensland. Organisers say events like these help grow local participation and inspire the next generation of players and volunteers.
The sessions also provide a clear entry point for newcomers, experienced athletes and anyone keen to support inclusive sport.
Local impact
The back-to-back sessions create a full weekend of inclusive sport across Central Queensland.
By hosting Rockhampton on Saturday and Gladstone on Sunday, organisers aim to reach families and community members across the wider region.
The events are designed to build local participation and strengthen community involvement in inclusive Rugby League.
By the numbers
• Two free sessions will be delivered across the region, one in Rockhampton on 21 February and one in Gladstone on 22 February, creating a full weekend of activity.
• Four total hours of structured on court time will be offered, with each session running for two hours to allow skills, drills and game play.
• Two major national milestones are scheduled for 2026, the NRL Wheelchair National Championships in July and the World Cup in October, placing strong focus on the sport this year.
Zoom in
Participants can expect to learn wheelchair specific skills, try real game drills and meet experienced players.
Organisers say you do not need to have played before. You do not even need to know the rules. Just turn up and try it.
The sessions are promoted as welcoming and supportive, with a focus on fun, fitness and teamwork.
Zoom out
NRL Wheelchair continues to grow in Queensland, with national championships and a World Cup drawing attention to the code.
With many Queensland-based Wheelaroos representing at the highest level, grassroots events in regions like Rockhampton and Gladstone play an important role in building the sport’s future.
What to look for next?
Organisers hope the February sessions will lead to stronger local participation as the sport continues to gain momentum.
