England captain Tom Halliwell, who plays for Leeds Rhinos in the Wheelchair Super League, was sent a message of thanks by Rhinos coach Rob Burrow after playing in the final; France head coach Sylvain Crismanovich criticized the lack of swimming facilities for the players
By Marc Bazeley for Manchester Central
Last Updated: 19/11/22 12:02am
Tom Halliwell celebrates with the World Cup after leading England to defeat France in the final
Tom Halliwell was touched after his hero Rob Burrow congratulated him on winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The England captain spoke in the build-up to Friday’s 28-24 win over France in the final about the honor it afforded him to wear the number 7 shirt as Burrow did during his successful spell with Betfred Super League side Leeds Rhinos.
Burrow sent his congratulations to Halliwell, who scored a try two minutes into England’s win over France, on his Twitter account after the final and the Rhinos wheelchair star was impressed by the reaction.
“It’s special,” Halliwell said. “My attempt was like remaking it from [2011 Super League] Grand Final, except his was 40 meters out and mine was four.
“These are kind words and they mean a lot, but I can’t rest now, I’m still working hard and this is just the beginning of disability rugby league, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this game, it’s amazing and I can’t wait to see what he can grow into.
“I’m probably forever indebted to rugby league and disability rugby league has given me the opportunity to play with my family and friends.”
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After winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, England’s Tom Halliwell and Seb Bechara reflect on what happened in the match against France.
England lost the final of the Paralympic World Cup against France, while in 2017 they saw their opponents win in their last attempt to play the game.
But this time, it was the host nation that won the see-saw contest as they trailed 14-12 at halftime before taking the job after the break.
“I’ve learned a lot of amazing things along the way and maybe playing in France in a tight game has been the biggest lesson, because of them,” England head coach Tom Coyd said.
“I said, ‘believe in yourself’ [at half-time] because I thought we were playing with ourselves. Our defense was so tight, we were a little afraid to make a mistake. I said to them they believe in themselves, and they went out and did it.
Tom Halliwell’s late try saw England beat France
Attention will be focused on the next Rugby League World Cup in France in just three years’ time, as it aims to continue the visibility of the disability sport alongside the men’s and women’s athletics competition.
Halliwell is hoping to continue his growth in the build-up to the 2025 tournament, but for now, he just wants to enjoy his time leading England to glory at the game’s biggest stage.
“It’s probably the best feeling in the world, lifting it up with the players and staff,” Halliwell said.
“We’ve been working hard for the last five years to get to this point and it’s great to know that all that work has paid off.”
Tom Halliwell lifted the trophy after winning the World Cup final
Crismanovich blames the lack of bathroom facilities
The World Cup of wheelchairs has been widely praised for taking the sport to the next level and for its inclusivity, where the sport allows both male and female athletes with and without disabilities to compete on a level playing field.
But while France head coach Sylvain Crismanovich felt that the performance of the game brought many positives in the last three weeks, he believes that there are some areas at the back where work needs to be done.
Crismanovich was particularly frustrated by the lack of restroom facilities for the players at the final venue, Manchester Central.
“There’s been a lot of positives in front of the cameras, but behind the cameras, I feel like there’s been improvements in the game,” Crismanovich said.
The reigning champions France lost to England in the final this time
“There was no discrimination between the teams, but tonight we did not stop the rain.
“All the players played, but they didn’t have a bathroom and I don’t think the women or men would have had one.”
On the same play, Crismanovich felt the outcome could have gone either way.
“It was a close game and there was no reason we felt we were in control,” Crismanovich said. “It was back and forth the whole way, so it was a close game.”
