A BARROW woman who played Rugby League for England will have her achievements honoured in the Women’s Rugby League Hall of Fame.

Sally Milburn, 47, is one of only three women ever to receive this accolade alongside Brenda Dobek and Lisa McIntosh, both from West Yorkshire.

Milburn scored the first ever test try against Australia in 1996 and won Sports Personality of the Year for Barrow in 2002.

All three were trailblazers during their playing career, helping to lay the foundations which have led to the development of the Women’s Super League.

She was delighted when she heard that she had been selected for the Hall of Fame.

"I'm surprised, to be honest, and really pleased, but it probably hasn't sunk in yet," she said.

"I'm dying to tell my dad - he's a massive rugby league fan."

Living in Barrow, Sally had to travel further than anyone else for training and she remembers how hard that was.

"I used to set off at five in the morning, travel from Barrow to Leeds or Hull for a full day's training, come back home, go to bed, and get up at 5am to do it all again," she said.

"I'd play all day - I loved it.  

"The positive side was just playing and being a part of the GB squad. 

"You met fantastic people and made life-long friends.  

"I don’t think anybody understands, you’ll never get those days back."

Rugby Football League (RFL) Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer said: "With their induction into the Hall of Fame, Brenda, Lisa and Sally are recognised as the best of the best and have set a high bar for every woman and girl to aspire to."

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Rugby League Cares Chairman Tim Adams MBE said: "There can be no doubt that Brenda, Lisa, and Sally are true giants on whose shoulders the growing numbers of women and girls players in the game today stand.  

"Rugby League Cares is delighted to be involved in this brilliant project and is looking forward to the historic induction ceremony in October and what will be a night to remember for everyone who attends."

The three will be joined by the new members of the men's Hall of Fame at an induction dinner at The Edge Arena, Wigan, on Thursday, October 27, three weeks into the World Cup.

A table of 10 costs £500, or £50 for an individual ticket.

To book tickets or for more information please email RL Cares Events Manager Catherine Maddy, Catherine.maddy@RLCares.org.uk.