Rugby, Australian Football: Farrell delighted with recognition

Great Britain captain Andrew Farrell believes his OBE is further recognition of the burgeoning interest in rugby league.

The Wigan forward joins such all-time greats as Ellery Hanley, Neil Fox, Billy Boston, Alex Murphy, David Watkins and Martin Offiah in being honoured by the Queen.

``It's a fantastic honour for me and it's great for the game,'' said the 29-year-old Farrell, Britain's record-breaking skipper who won his 34th cap in the recent Gillette Tri-Nations Series final.

``I have never known as much interest in the game as far as the public are concerned.

"Everybody was gripped by the Tri-Nations and they are still talking about it. The game has got to be on a high.''

Farrell, who has scored a remarkable total of 3,135 points from his 368 appearances for his club, was taken by surprise by the announcement.

Sportinglife