“Special” moment to receive “amazing” reception at Wigan Warriors for “Wigan lad” turned St Helens star Tommy Makinson

Tommy Makinson may be a hero for St Helens, but he was born in Wigan.

This means that whenever he arrives in Wigan to take on the Warriors he gets a hostile reception to say the least.

But with a history making display today with a record-breaking five tries alongside five goals at Wigan Warriors’ DW Stadium for England, he finally got a huge ovation in his hometown.

Speaking to BBC after the game, he said: “It’s a special achievement, but going to London for a semi-final is going to be even bigger isn’t it? I’ve never had an atmosphere like it. I’m a Wigan lad but I’m used to a hostile reception here so it’s special.”

The haul of five tries saw him leap above some historic names in English rugby league history who only ever managed four tries in one game for England.

However, Makinson believes they are still superior as players: “I might be higher on them on a list but never ever above them as players. That’s what you want to do, you want to do something special, five tries is good but I want to be a World Cup winner at the end of the day.”

Ever humble, the St Helens star heaped the praise on Warrington Wolves star George Williams for his service: “I thought I missed a few to be fair. George Williams is so dangerous, I love playing alongside him.”