Halifax Panthers Win Wheelchair Challenge Cup 2024
- Halifax Panthers, fueled by Rob Hawkins' outstanding performance, captured their first challenge Cup final in seven years.
- Hawkins,an England international and key player,scored two first-half tries and successfully kicked seven conversions.His contributions kept the Roosters, who were competing in their first final, at bay throughout...
- Hawkins also assisted fellow England player Jack Brown in scoring a try, contributing to the Yorkshire team's total of eight tries.
Rob Hawkins spearheaded the Halifax Panthers to a thrilling Wheelchair Challenge Cup victory, ending a seven-year drought. His stellar performance, including two tries adn seven conversions, powered the Panthers past the London Roosters, who were making their debut in the final.This intense match saw relentless action, with the Golden Boot winner at the heart of Halifax’s dominance. With stellar performances from England internationals, the game highlighted the increasing popularity of Wheelchair Rugby League, offering an accessible and inclusive sporting experience. News Directory 3 covered the full match, providing insights into the key moments and player contributions throughout the competition. Discover what’s next as Hawkins and Brown prepare for the Future of England match.
Halifax Panthers Clinch Challenge Cup Final Victory
Updated June 14, 2025
Halifax Panthers, fueled by Rob Hawkins’ outstanding performance, captured their first challenge Cup final in seven years. The reigning Golden Boot winner played a pivotal role in the Panthers’ triumph over the London Roosters at Robin Park sports Center.
Hawkins,an England international and key player,scored two first-half tries and successfully kicked seven conversions.His contributions kept the Roosters, who were competing in their first final, at bay throughout the physical match. The Panthers, who previously dominated the competition with four consecutive wins, had not reached the final since 2018.
Hawkins also assisted fellow England player Jack Brown in scoring a try, contributing to the Yorkshire team’s total of eight tries. Brown, the 2019 Golden Boot winner, finished the play after a pass from Hawkins.
The London Roosters responded with Mason Billington,who is slated to participate in the Future of England match,scoring two of their five tries. Joe Coyd, another Roosters player already selected for the Australia tour, also scored a try.
The Panthers established a 30-16 lead by halftime, with Hawkins scoring twice within six minutes, and Wayne Boardman and Joe Calcott adding to the score.
The Roosters remained competitive, with Coyd earning a penalty try after his shirt was pulled, and Lewis King reducing the deficit before halftime.
Finlay O’Neill’s try early in the second half solidified the Panthers’ lead.Although Billington scored a spectacular try for the Roosters, jordan Holt and Tom Martin sealed the victory for halifax. Billington managed to score once more before the final whistle.
What’s next
Both Hawkins and Brown are preparing for the upcoming Future of England match, which will determine the squad for the Australia tour this autumn. coyd will also be joining them on the plane to Australia.