Chair skills, quick brain – how O’Neill adapted to wheelchair rugby league
Finlay O’Neill has moved from running rugby league to wheelchair rugby league after a knee condition ended his prospects in the running game. The 21-year-old says the switch became a blessing, and his rapid progress has earned him a place in England’s squad to defend their World Cup title in Australia.
O’Neill had to learn to manoeuvre a rugby chair while catching, passing and reading play, despite already bringing strong rugby awareness to the sport. Since joining Halifax Panthers, he has won back-to-back domestic trebles and made his England debut in 2025, including playing in the Ashes in Australia. He is one of five World Cup debutants; England begin against Wales before facing the USA and Ireland.
In short
- A knee condition ended O’Neill’s running rugby league career.
- He adapted to wheelchair rugby and earned an England place.
- Halifax have won consecutive domestic trebles.
Explained simply
Wheelchair rugby league is a version of rugby league played by athletes using sports wheelchairs. Players move the ball by passing and carry it on their laps; the game combines chair skills with the teamwork and tactical decisions found in the running sport.
Finlay O’Neill played running rugby league before a knee condition led him to change sports. His understanding of rugby gave him a head start in reading play, but he also had to learn to control a chair while catching and passing. He now plays for Halifax Panthers and England.
England are the reigning wheelchair rugby league world champions. The World Cup brings national teams together to compete for the title, so O’Neill’s selection places him in a major international tournament as he makes his debut.