St Helens rugby star Tommy Makinson speaks about his successes, setbacks, and community work

The Challenge Cup victory last weekend brought the beautiful trophy back to St Helens for the first time in 13 years, adding to the Super League crowns that Makinson and his team-mates won in 2019 and 2020.

Speaking of their successes, he says to "be part of a bunch of lads that has won" those trophies has "been special" and that it is the togetherness that is key: “We’re not individual sportsmen. We’re in a team, and I think that’s what makes it more enjoyable to share it with your friends.”

The Wembley singsong (Bernard Platt)

Not content with their recent triumphs, however, the Saints winger emphasised they “make you almost want to do more. Once you have had a taste of it, it just inspires you because you want that feeling again”.

Tommy has a similar perspective on his own career, which in addition to the team's success, include a Golden Boot win and international honours.

Reflecting on his career, he said: “If you would have spoken to me ten years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would have achieved everything in the game.

"Everything I’ve dreamed of I’ve done it.”

“That was the goal, but the main thing [now] is about wanting to be a top player and wanting to keep on going.

“At 29, I still feel like I’ve got a real long way to go before my journey is complete. It’s always nice to look back but the main thing is to look forward.”

Raw emotion..after scoring (Bernard Platt)

Despite his achievements, things have not always been straight-forward for the winger, who was released from Wigan as a teenager before signing a professional contract at Saints.

Speaking about this period of his life, he said: “I think it’s difficult for any young lad, especially being from Wigan as all I wanted to do growing up was play for that particular team.”

Determined to play professional rugby league, however, he “wasn’t going to let [this] stop [him]” from achieving his dream.

He hopes that any young player who has had a similar experience can learn from this and not give up on their goal, explaining that there are “a hell of a lot of players” that have had to overcome similar setbacks in order to get where they are.

Celebrations after Theo Fages opening try (Bernard Platt)

A message to the camera (Bernard Platt)

Outside of rugby, the England winger has recently joined forces with the ex-boxer Tony Bellew in an anti-knife campaign, using sport as a tool to keep kids out of trouble and keep communities safe.

Operating in and around St Helens, this involves giving educational talks to schools and community groups, speaking about the ills of knife crime and the positive impact sport can have in life.

Explaining the campaign, Tommy said: “There’s a lot of things going on now what wasn’t around when I was a kid.

“We speak about knife crime and hate crime and what’s going on in these communities.

Crossing for a try at Wembley (Bernard Platt)

“We try and give our story and basically [explain] how sport has helped me in my life. Not everyone can be a professional sportsman […] but sport is an amazing tool to get forward in life.”

Tommy hopes the campaign, along with other opportunities for young people in St Helens, will “inspire and help the next generation” to use sport as a form of stress release and personal improvement.

On the pitch, however, Makinson is determined to continue his recent success and end this season’s Super League campaign with at least a play off position, offering another opportunity for a trophy.