In the King's 2023 Birthday Honours he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to wheelchair rugby league football.

He originally played the running game at youth level but suffered a severe leg fracture, aged 13, while at Oulton Invaders.

[2] Following initial recovery, but while still unable to play the running game, Halliwell took up wheelchair rugby league with Leeds Rhinos.

[3][4] Tom Halliwell was part of the Leeds squad which won their first ever national championship in 2018 and was named MVP.

[5] He again was a key player in Leeds's 2021 Super League Grand Final victory against Layland Warriors.