JACK Brown can be forgiven for going around telling people, âSee, thatâs what I was on about,â after the wheelchair rugby league stars made a huge impact.
The thunder of metal on metal, the skill and the physicality in front of a world record 3,033 crowd at Londonâs Copper Box announced wheelchair rugby league to the country.
After Thursdayâs openers, the reaction of the British public can be summed up in one word â wow.
But Brown, who scored two tries as England beat the Australians he coaches for Queensland 38-8, has been banging the drum for 17 years.
One of two able-bodied players allowed in a wheelchair team, he said: âThe sport itself is the star. Itâs finally getting the recognition it deserves.
âIâve been saying for years, since 2005, that itâs up there with the menâs and womenâs games. Now itâs on the same level, it’s spectacular.
âAnd weâre ready for it to go to a new level. Weâve got really good backing from the Rugby Football League and people in and behind the squad are so professional.
âWeâre able to actually show it can be faster than the running game. It is as tiring as it looks to play in too!
âPlaying in front of a world record crowd was incredible. We could barely hear ourselves, it was something special.
âAnd going all the way with us lifting the trophy would propel the sport globally.â
Englandâs next step sees them face Spain, who defeated Ireland in the first game, today.
But after Thursdayâs success, he admits he is not exactly looking forward to heading back to Townsville after the tournament.
He added: âIâve been out there two years but my wife keeps me grounded so I donât lose the accent!
âAnd beating the Aussies was great. Although I am dreading going back to work, itâs going to be very hot!
âEngland v Australia is so intense at every level of the sport but weâve set the stage now, breaking a world record. Thatâs behind the scenes, though.
âOn the court, weâve got a lot of things to work on.â
