Jackson, Blackwood to debut as new-look Steelers' set for Japan

The Australian Steelers’ have rung the changes announcing an exciting, new-look team set to take on some of the world’s biggest-hitters at the Japan Para Champs next month. The competition in Chiba places the Steelers, who currently sit number 2 in the world rankings, alongside reigning Paralympic Gold-Medallists Japan, Great Britain and France in their first outing since the Paralympic bronze medal match in Paris last September.

The undeniable form of Jayden Jackson (NSW) across the past 12-months sees him set to make his long-awaited senior team debut at the competition, alongside Invictus Games star Cooper Blackwood (NSW) who has been rewarded at the selection table for his strong performances at the Shibuya Cup with the development team in November last year. Robyn Lambird (WA) and Andrew Holloway (NSW) also return to the national fold after lengthy periods plying their trade in the national pathway competitions and development squad in recent seasons.

Jayden Jackson (2.0)

Cooper Blackwood (3.0)

The competition also acts as the first unveiling of the new World Wheelchair Rugby rule inclusions, the main of which allows a team a one-point classification advantage for every female athlete above a 2.0 classification on court instead of the previous 0.5 point allocation.

Speaking from Essendon at the team’s training camp on Friday, Australian Head Coach, Brad Dubberley stated, “It’s a new cycle and we want to get some experience with some of the new players and build our talent pool and depth. We have a few experienced players like Ryley Batt and Andrew Edmondson who are on extended breaks so it’s a great opportunity to gain some experience for some of these new players.”

“We have selected a mix of experienced and new players so it is really that growth mindset to get better as a team. You also want to try and get some good results, build confidence and just build really.”

Head Coach, Brad Dubberley

Andrew Holloway (3.5)

When quizzed on the rule changes and their implications, Dubberley commented “From a coaching perspective, we have some new line-ups and we are one of the lucky teams who have more females playing at the moment so it has presented more opportunities for us as we move forward. We don’t really know the full effect of it just yet but selections have definitely come into it as a result of that.”

When questioned on some of the new talent he is excited to see perform at the competition, he mentioned “I am looking forward to seeing Andrew Holloway back in the program. He hasn’t been a part of it for a number of years now. He brings lot of speed and excitement…Even Brayden (Foxley-Conolly). He didn’t get on court in Paris but he is going from strength to strength as we move forward.”

“But across the board there is a lot of new players and line-ups that we are looking forward to seeing in action.”

2025 Japan Para Championships Steelers Team

Name Classification State
Chris Bond (c) 3.5 QLD
Brayden Foxley-Conolly 3.5 QLD
Andrew Holloway 3.5 NSW
Cooper Blackwood 3.5 NSW
Robyn Lambird 3.0F WA
Shae Graham 2.5F VIC
Jayden Jackson 2.0 NSW
Jake Howe 1.0 WA
Michael Ozanne 0.5 QLD
Ben Fawcett 0.5 VIC
Emilie Miller 0.5F QLD

Staff: Brad Dubberley (Head Coach), Ben Newton (Assistant Coach), Sam Allan (Team Manager), Greg Smith (Strength & Conditioning), Lewis Quinn (Analyst), Brooke Cranney (Physiotherapist), Rachael Lynch (Nurse / Support), Blair Thompson (Mechanic), Suzi Bond (Support)


Cooper Blackwood (3.0) and Robyn Lambird (3.0F)

Steelers captain, Chris Bond (3.5)

Australia’s first match sees the Steelers taking on Great Britain in a rematch of the Bronze Medal final in Paris where the Steelers’ claimed a 2-point victory and the medal ahead of their UK counterparts.

Competition Details:

Location: Chiba Port Arena (1-20 Toiyacho, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, Japan)

Dates: Thursday, 6 – Sunday, 9 February 2025

Media:

Media Enquiries: chris@wheelchairrugby.com.au

Media ReleaseKelsey SinghSteelers, InternationalComment