Sure, the game was already won, but subs want to do something to get noticed, and after Ben Pinkelman was tackled, the prop popped the ball up to the Central Washington University sophomore, who saw a gap open in front of him and didn’t need to be asked twice. Pat Blair and Folau Niua were yelling encouragement, but the yelling fell on deaf ears.

“I didn’t hear ‘em,” said the former Colorado Springs U19 star. “I just pinned my ears back and went. It’s always nice to score a try, but I am just happy to be here. I love the team and I love the chemistry. Coming out with them for the first time - there’s nothing better.”

Halliman got his start at Colorado Springs, where coach John Paterson - father of former USA player James - was instrumental in teaching him the game. 

“I learned everything from John,” said Halliman. “He’s been one of my various mentors, he’s a great guy, I love the guy.” 

Halliman has been taking classes at Central Washington remotely while he has been training at the Olympic Training Center. But he will be back with the team playing 15s next week. 

“It’s going very well,” he said. “I’m doing online school. I really like the campus and a lot of great players. I haven’t played 15s in, like, a year, but I will be. It will be nice, but it will definitely be different.”

Different he seems to handle just fine.