Wheelchair Super League Grand Final: Leeds Rhinos beat Halifax Panthers

The Rhinos have reached all five Wheelchair Grand Finals but had lost the past two, including a defeat by two-time champions Halifax in 2022, and, for a while, history looked to be repeating itself.

Collins put Leeds ahead within a minute but the Panthers responded strongly as a double from Hawkins, the league’s Young Player of the Year, and a try from Joseph Calcott gave them a 16-4 lead.

Jeremy Bourson scorched away from inside his own half to restore Halifax’s two-score lead after England captain Tom Halliwell had cut the deficit, but Collins’ second try kept Leeds in touch at the break.

Two stunning Collins offloads sent in former Halifax player Nathan Mulhall and Wheels of Steel award winner Butler as Leeds regained the lead for the first time since the seventh minute.

Halifax’s Hawkins completed his hat-trick with a super finish and added the conversion to level.

But Leeds bossed the second half and three tries in five minutes from Jodie Boyd-Ward, Butler and Halliwell sent them 18 points clear.

A second score from France international Bourson briefly raised Halifax hopes, but Butler completed his hat-trick to ensure Leeds became the first team to complete an unbeaten campaign with a perfect 10 wins.