A second successive World Cup win would take England Wheelchair men's side to unparalleled heights in Rugby League - but for Tom and Joe Coyd, the matter of the final is still very much a family affair. Already a World Cup winning coach, Tom has been in charge of England for six years, with younger brother and star winger Joe scoring 12 tries on the way to their last national team success at 2022's tournament. The task of securing a second world title in a row - something only Friday's opponents, France, have managed - is already a tall task, but Tom has battled with what he feels is an even tougher challenge throughout the tournament.
"[Coaching my brother] is the hardest thing I've ever done from a work perspective," Tom said. "But it's also the most rewarding. "There are times when you have to give him a bit of a telling off.
"It's taught me loads about how to be a good brother and loads about how to be a good coach - hopefully, Joe agrees. But yeah, it is an interesting dynamic. "I think there's a reason it doesn't happen very often because it can be really difficult.
But, you know, in our quirky ways, Joe and I find a way to make it function. And I think it elevates the connection in the team." His brother, Joe, echoes this sentiment. "I've been lucky enough to do this for a while and it's such a special occasion and privilege every time.
"But having my brother and my dad alongside me sort of just sort of nudges it on a bit further. "I know I'm in a very lucky and privileged place to be able to do the things that we get to do alongside my family." The brothers are not the only two family members involved in the England World Cup setup. Martin Coyd OBE is the general manager of the Wheelchair side, and, according to his sons, isn't afraid of getting stuck in with preparation himself.
He's been busy fulfilling his responsibilities as a RFL board member, but he's been doing that alongside, you know, getting oily and repairing wheelchair parts and getting his hands dirty. "He's been in the thick of it and he wouldn't have it any other way. It's been a joy to have this experience with him and with Joe and with all of us.
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