When I was researching for the book 'The Indomitables' I looked at one or two sites covering Widnes players, and the general concesus was that due to the war no one would know how good he was.Certainly my research showed that in 1946 he was classed as the best half back in the world, and that had the full endorsement of Australia, who are not known for praising the Brits.
In the first test in Australia, the Lions had a player sent off after only half an hour. Yet such was the skill of Tommy, Britain held on for a draw. In the second and third tests He was able to show his attacking skills which mystified the Australians. Surprisingly, Tommy was the only tourist not to score a single point on tour, but he made up for this by the openings he made for his colleagues. He retired at the end of the tour, but he could rightly state that he played in the only touring team which never lost to Australia in a test.
I noted that the Leeds newspaper ran a millennium competition for the best player of each position, and they never included Tommy. He is only one of a number of former greats who have sadly been looked over.
I hope the club records will ensure that they now record that in 1946 there was no better half back in rugby league.

You want to get onto deb on the trustinwidnes.com forum about this mate, she runs the Vikings Heritage museum.

Legendary Widnes player was McCue, alongside half back partner of the day Tommy Shannon, brilliant players, who could have played in any era, thats how good they were.

I wish clubs and supporters would ensure that former outstanding players were properly remembered. Tommy was rated the best half back in the world in 1946 when he retired, and he was the mastermind behind the triumphant Lions. This is not the only incident of a former player not being properly remembered, there were others in the Indomitables, and I hope all clubs will redress their list of former stars.

He's certainly remembered by Widnes RL - he in the club hall of fame and there is plenty of memorabilia both in the south stand and in the heritage museum. www.widnesvikings.org.uk/Hall_Of_Fame.html

He's certainly remembered by Widnes RL - he in the club hall of fame and there is plenty of memorabilia both in the south stand and in the heritage museum. www.widnesvikings.org.uk/Hall_Of_Fame.html