Wasley backs cue king
12th June 2009, 9:00 WST
Kalgoorlie's latest eightball sensation Dax Wasley has called for his idol, Goldfields-born former world No.1 Jack Halligan, to be inducted into the Goldfields Sporting Hall of Fame.
Last weekend the pair clashed in a special exhibition match in which Wasley prevailed across 21 frames, 11-7.
Although upstaging his childhood hero, Wasley – himself a three-time State representative – said Halligan maintained virtual cult-hero status in the sport.
“The Halligan name in Kalgoorlie is revered – it’s legend,” Wasley said.
“And even with blokes in Adelaide where I did my hard yards (in pool), there are some legends there and Jack Halligan is a household name.”
Halligan first made his name in Kalgoorlie playing for Victoria Tavern (now de Bernales), before embarking on an international career.
His career highlights include 14 stints as an Australian team representative, including five as captain, and 18 State caps. Halligan was twice named World Player of the Year and was an inaugural inductee into the Australian Eightball Federation Hall of Fame in 2003.
“I’d like to do even half the things Jack’s done, he’s one of the most capped players Australia’s ever had,” Wasley said.
Halligan now tours Australia performing exhibitions in pubs, clubs and mine sites displaying the skill that made him famous, a life Wasley said he would love to emulate.
“Anyone that loves their pool only dreams of doing what Jack does, he lives the pool players’ dream, he might laugh at that but it’s true,” he said.
“It’s just not that easy, you’ve got to have his stats and his reputation to do it.
“And it’s not just about being as good as he is, it’s about being a showman too and that’s the hardest bit.”
The region lays claim to producing three of the greatest cue exponents the world has ever seen. Walter Lindrum and Bob Marshall were among the inaugural 2005 Goldfields Sporting Hall of Fame inductees, while Halligan continues to wait patiently.
“Eightball is not as recognised (as billiards) but you don’t understand how big he is – it’s like a Leigh Matthews or a Gary Ablett in football,” Wasley said.
“He is that good at what he does.
“They’ll get him in there (the hall of fame), they have to.”
MARK CONWAY
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