Death of ex-England star inspired World Cup win, says coach

McNamara and captain Kevin Sinfield both said the England players were inspired by the death of the former England, St Helens and Wakefield star to produce their 34-12 World Cup win over Fiji.

The former full-back died in the early hours of Saturday after a seven-year battle against stomach cancer and the news was relayed to McNamara and his squad by Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood.

“I think we were all shocked,” McNamara said after England’s game at Hull’s KC Stadium.

“When Nigel rang me this morning to tell me the news I was pretty upset by it. He was a really close friend and someone I think we all admire.

“We talk about the feats he has achieved since he got his illness but I’d also like to remember him as a fantastic rugby league player.

“When you put all his qualities, both as a player and a human being, together it’s a really sad loss.”

Prescott was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of stomach cancer, in September 2006.

Despite being given just months to live, he battled on and set up the Steve Prescott Foundation to raise money to fight the disease and for the RFL’s official charity.

Prescott, who was made an MBE in the 2010 New Year Honours for services to rugby league and charity, never lost contact with the game.

Sinfield said: “What Steve has done and how he’s lived his life has certainly inspired all of us.”