From rugby league rejection to World Cup history: Nathan Collins targets another title
Nathan Collins was once considered too small to make it in rugby league.
Now, as England Wheelchair gear up for a World Cup semi-final against hosts Australia, he stands on the brink of becoming a double world champion.
His journey is a reminder of the resilience that defines the wheelchair game, where players have overcome all manner of obstacles to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
For Collins, it all began in 2010 with a chance encounter at his local Scout group. Born with dwarfism, he had been told to give up playing the 13-a-side game because of his size. An invitation to try wheelchair rugby, however, would change the course of his life.
"I probably didn't think about occasions like this back at the start," said the Leeds native.
"I got involved because I was told that I should stop playing rugby at my local club. They told me I was too small to play rugby.
"I was a bit down about it at the time but I think it's made me a better person today and turned out to be one of the best things that's happened to me.
"One day, someone came down to Scouts and invited me to play wheelchair rugby. I've never looked back ever since.
"When I knew I could play at the highest level and represent my country in a World Cup, I wanted to fight to do that. I've met so many amazing people and travelled the world, which I may not have done otherwise."
Only 16 when he earned a place in the 2017 Team of the Tournament, Collins is now appearing at his third World Cup.
Big occasions have been a feature of his career, regularly representing Leeds Rhinos in finals as well as experiencing the highs and lows of tournament rugby with England.
Collins suffered the agony of a narrow defeat to France in Perpignan in the 2017 decider before helping his country avenge that loss in memorable fashion five years later. He also toured Australia at the end of last year, giving him a taste of the atmosphere awaiting England in Wollongong.
"Hopefully we can silence them and get the job done," said Collins.
"We had good preparation last year touring here. We had fans shouting and booing at us.
"We know what to expect. It's another opportunity for us to prove why we're such a great team. To pull on the England shirt in a semi-final is an amazing opportunity.
"Unfortunately the men's and women's teams didn't manage to do that but hopefully we can go a couple of steps further and get the trophy at the end of it."
To retain the title they won in Manchester four years ago, England must first get past Australia before a potential rematch with old foes France.
The fiercely contested 2025 Ashes series underlined the progress made by the Wheelaroos and the threat they pose in Tuesday's semi-final.
"They've come a long way," said Collins. "We found that out last year.
"It might not sound like it because we obviously want to win but it's good to see the game growing. That's the only way the game will become stronger.
"It'd mean everything to reach the final and show that all the hard work and training camps were worth it.
"It'd be great to do it for everyone who can't be here with us but are cheering us on from home."
That is perhaps the biggest difference from four years ago. Whereas last time they were backed by increasingly enthusiastic home support, this time they have had to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings 10,500 miles from home.
For Collins, winning a World Cup on Australian soil might even surpass the achievement of 2022.
"It's difficult doing it regardless but it's a bit more difficult when you're not in your own backyard with the crowds behind you," he said.
"It's a different environment but pressure is a privilege and you've got to be able to deal with it.
"We fully believe we can do it. Tom (Coyd, head coach) and the coaching staff have put us in the best place possible to be able to win this World Cup.
"We had the best captain's run we've had in a long time where everything clicked. We're fully prepared for this semi-final."
The tournament Down Under has only reinforced England Wheelchair's standing as the nation's benchmark team. They now have the chance to achieve what no other side from these shores has managed by retaining a World Cup title.
"It would be so special," said Collins.
"I haven't thought too much about being a two-time world champion because I'm a 'one game at a time' person. My full focus is on this semi-final.
"As soon as that game is done, my full focus can switch to the final. Hopefully that trophy is with us on the flight home at the end of it."