England beat Australia 86–18 to set up wheelchair World Cup final against France

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England secured a fifth consecutive wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final appearance by beating hosts Australia 86–18 in Wollongong on Tuesday, 10 November. The defending champions will face France on Friday, 13 November, after the French defeated Ireland 82–26 in the other semi-final.

Mason Billington scored a first-half hat-trick and was named player of the match as England established a 40–6 interval lead. The result keeps Tom Coyd’s team on course for a third world title.

Billington opened the scoring in the third minute. Rob Hawkins and Joe Coyd also crossed during a start that took England 30 points clear without reply after 24 minutes. Diab Karim eventually scored for Australia, but Billington’s further tries ensured the hosts reached half-time facing a substantial deficit.

England continued to score after the restart. Jack Brown and Nathan Collins contributed early second-half tries, while Hawkins, Chris Haynes and captain Lewis King were also among the scorers. Australia’s three tries could not threaten England’s control of the contest.

The victory extends an unbeaten tournament campaign. England had already finished top of their group after wins against Wales, the United States and Ireland, with the Irish providing a demanding test before the knockout stage.

Recent meetings with Australia had also favoured England. They won last year’s Wheelchair Ashes series 2–0 and beat the Australians 38–8 in the opening match of their successful 2022 World Cup campaign.

Friday’s final at the WIN Entertainment Centre reunites the teams that contested the 2022 decider, when England beat France 28–24. Australia and Ireland will instead meet for third place.