Betfred Wheelchair Super League Round-Up

Halifax Panthers march on formidably at the top of the Betfred Wheelchair Super League table, but the latest round of matches at the weekend also included a significant win for London Roosters, and a hugely encouraging performance from Edinburgh Giants.

The Panthers, who have already won the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup this season, were in ruthless mood against Wigan Warriors at Robin Park, storming to a 68-0 victory, with Golden Boot holder Rob Hawkins scoring seven of their tries.

But the Roosters, who were the Panthers’ victims in that Challenge Cup Final, continued their impressive campaign by stunning the champions Leeds Rhinos – in a match which had to be switched to York St John University at short notice because of an issue at the Rhinos’ regular home base.

Tom Coyd, the Roosters and England coach who turned 30 on the day of the match, said: “Credit to Leeds for switching the match at short notice, and thanks to York St John for making us welcome. It was a great win for us, a real team effort.”

It was a first league defeat for the Rhinos since the 2023 Grand Final, although Tristan Norfolk, the England international who recently joined them from Hull FC, made an impressive impact from the interchange bench.

Hull FC claimed their second win of the season but had to come from behind against Edinburgh.

The Scots, who had a tough baptism in their debut Super League campaign, were sniffing a historic first win when they led 22-18 at half-time, and the scores were still level at 34-34 going into the last quarter – but the Black and Whites stretched away to win 52-34.

In the Championship, Castleford Tigers won a 32-30 thriller against Batley Bulldogs, while there were convincing wins for York Knights against Wakefield Trinity, and Bradford Bulls against Hull KR.

The Roosters host Wigan this Saturday as part of a triple header of matches for the club’s Community Day at the Barking Sporthouse. The Super League match kicks off at 3pm, and is preceded by a Reserves fixture at 1pm, and a meeting of southern rivals Medway Dragons and Bedford Tigers at 1120am

In the other Super League fixtures, Leeds will aim to bounce back at home to Hull, and Sheffield Eagles face a daunting prospect at Halifax.