WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has sent her best wishes to England’s men’s, women’s and wheelchair rugby league squads after they received a special send-off ahead of the World Cup.
The three England squads were represented at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, where men’s hooker Brad O’Neill, women’s captain Jodie Cunningham and wheelchair star Lewis King enjoyed morning tea and a chance to discuss the tournament.
The visit recognised the players, coaches, staff, clubs and communities who will be represented as England bid for glory across the three competitions.
Ms. Nichols said: “It’s amazing to see England’s men’s, women’s and wheelchair squads receiving this recognition ahead of the World Cup.
“Rugby league means a great deal to our community, and I wish all three teams the very best as they prepare to represent England on the world stage.”
O’Neill, 24, who plays for Wigan Warriors, goes into the tournament after a remarkable season in which he won the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award as Super League’s leading player, alongside the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield.
The Leigh-born hooker said it was a privilege to be invited to Chequers and represent England alongside Cunningham and King.
He added: “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.
“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.”
England’s men begin their campaign against Tonga in Perth on Saturday, with O’Neill hoping to make his first appearance at a World Cup.
He said the squad had gelled well since coming into camp, with coach Brian McDermott setting out his plans ahead of the opening fixture.
O’Neill added: “We know it’s going to be a tough opening game.
“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.
“But now I want to go out and enjoy success with my country as well – and we all hope to do England proud.”
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols
Lewis King remains an important figure in the wheelchair squad, who begin their bid to retain the title against Wales in Wollongong on October 30.
The Prime Minister Andy Burnham, wished all three squads well ahead of the tournament, which brings together the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions.
The men’s tournament got underway when defending champions Australia hosted New Zealand in Sydney last night Thursday.
England men kick off this Saturday, October 17 — v Tonga, 10.05am UK time.
England women kick off on Saturday, October 17 — v Wales, 7.35am UK time.
England wheelchair kick off on Friday, October 30 — v Wales, 4.30am UK time.
All matches across the three competitions will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.
