Tom Halliwell says impact of England’s World Cup win is more than his OBE
TOM Halliwell has more of an honour than the three letters he can add to his name for his World Cup heroics.
Just seeing the number of people playing wheelchair rugby league gives him a far bigger thrill.
The England captain was given an OBE in the King’s birthday Honours List after scoring the try that sealed home success in last year’s final.
But playing at Manchester Central in front of 4,500 people was enough to show the impact he and his team-mates had made on the nation.
Now the knock-on effects are providing every bit as much pride as receiving the honour.
Halliwell said: “The wheelchair game now is like a different sport compared to before the World Cup.
“Participation at all levels is increasing, I think the number of teams has doubled because of it.
“And at Leeds, our squad has gone from just eight players to having 33 signed on.
MOST READ IN RUGBY LEAGUE
“When I’m in the streets, at Leeds Rhinos or see me in my kit, people are asking me about the World Cup.
“It’s great there’s that lasting legacy, not only for wheelchair rugby league but also in people’s memories.”
Like many things in rugby league, the question immediately after anything finishes is ‘What’s next?’
Announcements of the next Tests are expected shortly and Halliwell admits eyes are already on retaining the trophy, hopefully in 2025.
SunSport understands International Rugby League figures will be ‘amazed’ if the tournament is not based in New Zealand after France pulled out of hosting it.
And 22-year-old Halliwell, who was joined by coach Tom Coyd and England teammates Seb Bechara and James Simpson, who received MBEs, added: “The goal for everyone is retaining it, hopefully in two years’ time.
“I’d happily go anywhere to play in a World Cup as if its# done anything like it was last year, the game will keep growing and become one of the most famous sports in the world, up there with football and basketball.
“Last year, they made all the wheelchair and women athletes feel like professionals. It was like a dream come true for a lot of us.
“The Wheelchair World Cup was miles bigger than I expected it to be. I didn’t expect to get 4,500 people watching in Manchester, I thought we may match the record of 3,000.
“I didn’t expect us to beat it every time we played and were everywhere, it was a crazy experience.
“And we’ve got a few Test matches coming up this year and the more international games, the better.”