The hooker and utility star became a firm favourite of the fans with cult figure status gained with spectator chants of "Oh ah Cantillon" in place at grounds everywhere.

[7] He was credited for the evolution of the modern day hooker role during the nineties and noughties by Rugby League media through his captaincy, support play, evasive running, try scoring ability and defensive qualities.

Cantillon is placed ninth in the all-time list of club try scorers which features many legends from the Widnes cup kings and world champions era of dominance, with the highest ever for a forward.

Cantillon went on to play in 2011 with other Rugby League legends from over the past years in an effort to raise money for charity with Great Britain All Stars.

[21] Whilst still playing professionally in the early 2000s, and following his retirement, Cantillon was appointed in a number of general manager positions in the commercial, not for profit and local government sector.

Cantillon was named captain of the Ireland national rugby league team in 2003,[22] qualifying for under the grandparent rule after firstly representing England.

[23] Cantillon led Ireland [24] to the European Nations Final against England in 2004 scoring a record four tries in a semi-final victory over Scotland [25] and to World Cup qualifying wins against Russia [26] and Lebanon in 2005 and 2006, ensuring they booked their place for the 2008 World Cup in Australia, signing of his performances by holding the record for number of tries scored by any player for Ireland R.L with ten and most tries in a match with four, taking them to be ranked 2nd best international team in Europe.