How I Started
I was born with condition called Spina Bifida, Spina Bifida is when a baby's spine and spinal cord does not develop properly, causing a gap in the spine. I didn’t let this affect me in any way. when I was in school all I did was play football and rugby.
I first got involved in wheelchair sports, in college when I enrolled on a sports diploma course, I tried many then started playing wheelchair basketball. when I was introduced to Wheelchair Basketball. Not long after I started, I was playing competitively for Halifax. Then one day I was at a Basketball game and during half time a rugby ball came on to our side of the court. All I did was throw the ball back to the other side of the court and someone said to me “why don’t you come and try Wheelchair Rugby League”, I never looked back!
Shortly after getting involved in Wheelchair Rugby League, I was scouted and after trials, I was selected for the England squad on the 2004 French tour. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of representing my country and I even broke my finger in a collision!
After returning from the tour, I joined the newly formed Wigan club. Where after numerous spells at other clubs over the years I am now back at Wigan Warriors.
My Greatest Achievements
My greatest achievement is being a member of the first Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby League team in 2006 and captaining my country in 2008-14 including two World Cup campaigns where I lifted the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup defeating Australia on their home turf 44-12 and being voted Man of The Match topped off an unreal experience for me and the team over in Australia.
My Greatest Challenge
My greatest challenge is when I had to put my rugby career on hold after I moved to Lincolnshire. It was probably one of the hardest things I have had to do not only leaving my team-mates but also the whole rugby family behind.
My most recent Challenge was just after the National lockdown, where no Leisure Centre’s or gyms were open. So, keeping up my fitness and health was a real struggle for me.
All over my playing career I have played 80 minutes every game I have been involved in, no matter what. So, after the lockdowns, due to my fitness levels I have been really struggling to maintain these high levels without needing a breather. So getting back to these high levels has been a real challenge for me, but one I really enjoyed.
My Hobbies
I love sports! Mainly rugby and football and watching my favourite football team Manchester United.
My Future Goals
My future goals are to inspire as many people as possible through visiting schools and to help the youth realise their full potential. I also have my sporting goals for the future, I want to be able to help the youths coming through in Wheelchair Rugby League, to help them progress and have a long career in the sport! as well as being a part of the England Wheelchair Rugby League team in the World Cup in November 2022.