Super League star caps incredible season with Golden Boot honour

A Super League star has won one of rugby league’s most prestigious honours.

Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins was voted international wheelchair player of the year for 2024, receiving one of the three Golden Boot awards, after starring for England in their recent two-match Test series against France.

The 22-year-old scored four tries to lead England to a 66-33 victory in the opening match at Wigan and crossed for two more in the return at Saint Lo, which France won 32-28.

Hawkins was also selected in this year’s inaugural Wheelchair Super League Dream Team and named the competition’s best young player for the second time as Halifax Panthers reached the Grand Final.

He topped a Golden Boot shortlist which also featured Leeds Rhinos and England duo Josh Butler and Nathan Collins, along with France ace Nicolas Clausells.

The award was judged by a panel including one of the founders of wheelchair rugby league Malcolm Kielty, publisher Phil Caplan, IRL wheelchair rugby league advisory group chair Niel Wood, French coach Cyril Torres and England manager Martin Coyd.

IRL chairman Troy Grant said: “Rob is an example of the young talent emerging in wheelchair rugby league as the profile of the sport grows, particularly in England on the back of the success of the last World Cup in 2022.

“The recent series between England and France again showcased the physicality and skill of wheelchair rugby league at its best.

“With the first international wheelchair matches being played in New Zealand and the United States this year, the sport is also developing across the globe as we look ahead to the next World Cup in 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.”

England coach Tom Coyd hailed Hawkins as “one of the most dedicated players I have ever worked with”. He said: “To be once bed-ridden for 18 months and to get where he has now is so inspirational.

“On the pitch his frightening speed makes him a prolific finisher and try-saver, but he also loves to protect his teammates and will never back down from a challenge.

“That’s what I love the most about Rob as a player. He is a wonderful ambassador for our team, his community and the sport of wheelchair rugby league.”