Halifax Panthers lifted the Wheelchair Challenge Cup trophy for the first time in seven years after a brilliant eight-tested performance against London Roosters and defeated them 46-24 at the Robin Park Sports Center in Wigan.
Halifax, the original winners of the Wheelchair Challenge Cup in 2015, made a promising and effective start thanks to Rob Hawkins, the reigning World Wheelchair Rugby League Player of the Year.
He scored 22 of the Panthers’ points from two attempts and seven goals to help down the tap that appeared in their first final.
Hawkins also contributed to the construction of a number of other attempts as seven of Panthers’ eight-player teams touched.
They took the lead within five minutes when Hawkins sent Jack Brown over to the opening sample, and although the taps remained in contact in most of the first half with Joe Coyd, who scored and converted two attempts, they were never able to get ahead.
Panthers led 30-16 at half-time with Hawkins, scoring his two attempts and additional scores from Boardman and Joe Calcott, while Lewis King added to COYDS double for Roosters.
Finlay O’Neill then scored the decisive first attempt in the second half for Halifax, and although Mason Billington scored two typically brave attempts at Roosters, Panthers retained their respiratory space with attempts at two of their substitutes, Jordan Holt and Tom Martin.
Attention is now turning to the beginning of 2025 Betfred Wheelchair Super League season next weekend, including debut fixtures in the Edinburgh Giants and Sheffield Eagles competition -with a further incentive for any England -qualified player as they fight for places on a tour of Australia in Australia.
“We needed it. It’s been a long time since we won the Challenge Cup -we’ve still been challenging, but in Sport you are judged by winning trophies,” said Wayne Boardman, Halifax’s Veteran player -Coach, who was one of their original cup winners in 2025.
“We have built our strength in depth for a while now, and Jack coming back from Australia is the last piece for us in the middle of the field.
“Fair Play to Roosters because it was a tough game and they showed why they came to the final. But it’s a nice feeling to have lifted the trophy – and I think it’s great for the Halifax Club.”