Halifax Panthers retain Betfred Wheelchair Super League title with victory over Leeds Rhinos

Halifax Panthers have successfully retained their Betfred Wheelchair Super League title with a dominant 64-24 performance over Leeds Rhinos at Belle Vue Leisure Centre.

The win means the Panthers have completed their goal of securing back-to-back trebles, having won the Betfred Challenge Cup and Betfred Wheelchair Super League League Leaders’ Shield and title for two consecutive seasons.

Despite opening the scoring through Nathan Collins, the Rhinos struggled to maintain their early 0-8 momentum as Rob Hawkins took control for the Panthers shortly after. Three tries in six minutes gave the Panthers a ten-point lead with Hawkins leading into back-to-back touchdowns for Jack Brown.

The Rhinos came storming out in the second half, with Josh Butler and Collins reducing the deficit to 16 points.

But the Panthers quickly put an end to any hope of a comeback when Brown headed across the pitch for a long range try, adding a further two to make it six total and earning himself a well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Leeds never gave in, with Tom Halliwell OBE adding a final late try, but Hawkins’ fourth touchdown and a tenth conversion from Wayne Boardman sealed their historic victory.

The Grand Final closes out another unforgettable season in the 2026 Betfred Wheelchair Super League, with London Roosters’ Joe Coyd, Halifax’s Hawkins and Leeds’ Tristan Norfolk all announced as nominees for the 2026 Wheels of Steel award earlier today, with the winner revealed at the Rugby League Awards night on Tuesday 29 September.

Full-time: Halifax Panthers 64-24 Leeds Rhinos