England Rugby League’s Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair squads step up their bid for World Cup glory – after receiving a warm send-off from the Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Chequers, his official country home.
England hooker Brad O’Neill, Women’s captain Jodie Cunningham and Wheelchair star Lewis King were all invited to the official residence last week.
Ahead of flying out to Australia for the World Cup, they enjoyed morning tea with the Prime Minister.
Wigan Warriors star O’Neill, who recently claimed the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel as Super League’s leading player, admitted: “It was a real privilege to be invited to Chequers and to represent England Rugby League alongside Jodie and Lewis.
“We all know what it means to wear the England badge, and days like that show how much support there is behind us.
“The Prime Minister is obviously a big Rugby League fan – I’m from Leigh, the club he supports – and we spoke about that and plenty of other things.
“It was great for us all to get the chance to chat about the sport we love and what’s to come in the weeks ahead.
“The World Cup is a massive opportunity for all of us. We know the standards we must hit, but there is a lot of belief in the group, and now we want to give England supporters moments that will live long in the memory.”
O’Neill, 24, is set to feature when England open their campaign against Tonga in Perth on Saturday after Cunningham – one of the Women’s game’s most recognisable faces – leads her side out versus Wales in the first part of a double-header.
King remains a key presence for the Wheelchair squad following England’s success on home soil in 2022 and they start their effort to retain the trophy when facing Wales in Wollongong on October 30.
The Prime Minister wished all three squads well ahead of the tournament, recognising the players, coaches, staff, clubs and communities who will be represented when England get underway.
Ahead of facing Tonga, O’Neill said: “We know it’s going to be a tough opening game.
“But the squad has gelled well since coming into camp last week, Brian McDermott has set out his plans for us and we’ve got some terrific players like Herbie Farnworth, George Williams, Junior Nsemba and Victor Radley all ready to show what they can do.
“It’s been a dream of mine to compete in a World Cup and I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday and play in my first tournament.
“I’ve enjoyed some tremendous times with Wigan this season, winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and the Steve Prescott Man of Steel.
“But now I want to go out and enjoy success with my country as well – and we all hope to do England proud.”
The Men’s tournament gets underway when champions Australia host New Zealand in Sydney on Thursday and all games, in all three competitions, will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.
