Hawkins Claims Wheelchair Golden Boot Award

England wing Rob Hawkins has been recognized as the 2024 International Wheelchair Rugby League Player of the Year. The 22-year-old World Cup winner was a standout performer for England during their recent two-match series against rivals France and achieves the distinction of being the youngest player to win the wheelchair Golden Boot. Hawkins contributed four tries, propelling England to a 66-33 victory in the opening match held at Wigan, and an additional two tries in the return encounter in Saint-Lo, a game France won 32-28. He prevailed over French star Nicolas Clausells and England team-mates Josh Butler and Nathan Collins to secure the accolade. This achievement concludes a superb season for Hawkins, after he contributed to his Halifax Panthers side reaching the Grand Final, earned a spot in the inaugural Wheelchair Super League Dream Team, and received the young player of the year award for the second time. Hawkins commenced his involvement in the sport in 2014 following a period of 18 months confined to bed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and first represented England in 2019. According to England coach Tom Coyd: “Rob is one of the most dedicated players I have ever worked with. To be once bedridden and get where he has now is so inspirational.” Coyd added, “On the pitch his frightening speed makes him a prolific finisher and try saver, but he also loves to protect his team-mates and will never back down from a challenge – that’s what I love the most about him as a player. He is a wonderful ambassador for our team, his community and the sport.” Hawkins marks the third occasion an English player has claimed the Golden Boot, following Jack Brown who secured the initial accolade in 2019, with Seb Bechara receiving it in 2022. France’s Jeremy Bourson, who plays alongside Hawkins for Halifax, was the recipient of last year’s award.