Hull FC star selected for England training squad ahead of Autumn internationals

Tristan Norfolk, a player for Hull FC, is a member of England Wheelchair head coach Tom Coyd’s most recent 16-person National Performance Squad.

The Black and Whites star was previously a member of the national training squads, making Norfolk one of three uncapped players to receive a call-up. With the promotion of Hull FC to the Super League, he has experienced a quick ascent in the wheelchair game and will now aim for his maiden cap in the fall Tests later this year.

In other news, Mason Billington and Jason Owen, two uncapped London Roosters players, have joined Norfolk in the squad. As part of the National Development Program, which aims to find future stars and expand Coyd’s talent pool, all three players made an impression at last Sunday’s “Future of England” event in York.

The team also includes a number of well-known players, including Seb Bechara, Jack Brown, Nathan Collins, Wayne Boardman, and World Cup champion captain Tom Halliwell. Also called upon are the Wigan trio of Jack Heggie, Martin Lane, and Adam Rigby.

Speaking about his choice of the squad, Coyd stated: “This has been the hardest pick I’ve made as England Wheelchair coach thus far because of the increasing caliber of skill in our sport. With the World Cup approaching in 2026 and Test matches scheduled for this autumn, our goal was to assemble a team with a wealth of big game experience as well as a blend of intriguing potential.

“During the initial part of the season, we have concentrated on the National Development Programme, working with a group of players who did not represent England in 2023 but who have a lot of potential for the future throughout several development days. Last Sunday’s “The Future of England” exhibition match in York marked the culmination of the NDP. In front of a packed house, sixteen players faced off in Test Match settings to demonstrate their character and skill under duress.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to choose seven NDP players, three of whom—Mason Billington, Tristan Norfolk, and Jason Owen—may make their England debuts. Jason was the most impressive player in The Future of England competition, whereas Mason has just lately become interested in the sport thanks to the formation of the Brentwood Eels Wheelchair squad.

“Nathan Holmes from the Halifax Panthers and Jack Heggie, Martin Lane, and Adam Rigby—four seasoned players who have previously represented England in major tournament finals—are joining the NPS. The Challenge Cup finalists Wigan Warriors have been playing exceptionally well. Strong play for their respective clubs in the Challenge Cup and preseason games helped the nine players who played for England in 2023 secure a spot in the NPS again this season.

“On Sunday, June 9 at Medway Park, the day after the Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cup finals, will be the inaugural NPS session. As we prepare for the autumn Test matches and beyond, we can’t wait to get underway with this new squad. As the 2024 season begins in the upcoming weeks, we will also keep an eye on any England-eligible player who could show up in the Super League and Championship program.”

Complete England squad: Catalans Dragons’ Seb Bechara MBE
Billington, Mason – London Roosters
Wayne Boardman of the Panthers in Halifax
North Queensland Cowboys’ Jack Brown
Leeds Rhinos’ Josh Butler
Joel Collins of the Leeds Rhinos
The London Roosters’ Joe Coyd
Leeds Rhinos’ Tom Halliwell, OBE
Hawkins Rob, of the Halifax Panthers
Heggie Jack – Wigan Warriors
Nathan Holmes, member of the Panthers
London Roosters’ Lewis King
Wigan Warriors’ Martin Lane
Hull FC’s Tristan Norfolk
The London Roosters’ Jason Owen
Adam Rigby, Warriors of Wigan

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