The eagle has landed | Chris Haynes takes the NPS call for England’s wheelchair

Sheffield Eagles’ Chris Haynes has received a call-up to England Wheelchair Rugby League’s National Performance Squad (NPS) ahead of Sunday’s training session at the University of York.

Haynes’ selection follows an impressive display at the recent Future of England trial match in York and makes him one of two non-Betfred Super League players in the squad – the other being North Queensland Cowboys’ Jack Brown.

Chris Haynes said:

“It was a great privilege to have attended the Future of England match, but this is another level again. I got to Sheffield Eagles in a relatively short space of time and I owe my selection to those around me at the club as much as my own performances.

“Being called up justified my decision to get involved in Wheelchair Rugby League. It has given me the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love after my injury, the camaraderie at our club is amazing and everyone is excited for me.”

England head coach Tom Coyd MBE added:

“Chris fully deserves his call-up and if Sheffield Eagles keep producing players like him it will make my job a lot easier. They do a fantastic job with a holistic approach that nurtures not only their first team but also the women’s and youth sections.

“The selection of a player from the Championship also demonstrates the rapid development of our sport in recent years. I will continue to monitor the performances of all England-eligible players in all domestic competitions throughout the season.”

Sunday’s NPS training session at York Sport Center is the second of seven scheduled for 2024 as England Wheelchair RL builds towards the autumn internationals.

England Wheelchair Rugby League Performance Team:

Seb Bechara MBE (Catalans Dragons), Mason Billington (London Roosters), Wayne Boardman (Halifax Panthers), Jack Brown (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Butler, Nathan Collins (both Leeds Rhinos), Joe Coyd (London Roosters), Tom Halliwell OBE (Leeds Rhinos), Rob Hawkins (Halifax Panthers), Chris Haynes (Sheffield Eagles), Jack Heggie (Wigan Warriors), Nathan Holmes (Halifax Panthers), Lewis King (London Roosters), Tristan Norfolk (Hull FC), Jason Owen (London Roosters), Adam Rigby (Wigan Warriors).

NB. Wigan Warriors’ Martin Lane has resigned from the squad for personal reasons.