WIGAN WARRIORS hooker Brad O’Neill has been named Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA).
The 24-year-old played a key role in Wigan lifting the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield titles, making 30 appearances this season with the play-offs to come as they bid for the treble.
Once capped by England and in contention for a World Cup recall, O’Neill was recently named in the Super League Dream Team.
He becomes only the second hooker to be chosen by journalists as their Player of the Year, after St Helens’ James Roby in 2018.
Nominations were also made for Wigan teammates Jai Field, Bevan French, Adam Keighran and Harry Smith, plus Leeds Rhinos trio Brodie Croft, Jake Connor and Lachlan Miller.
RLWBA chair Trevor Hunt said: “Brad is the sort of tough, no-nonsense player whose contribution is often overlooked, but it’s clear from any conversation with his teammates and coaches, and the Wigan supporters, that he is hugely respected and valued by everyone at The Brick Community Stadium.
“He won more than 30 percent of the votes cast by our members, and it’s great to give him this deserved recognition.
“It’s not for us to make Brian McDermott’s selection for the World Cup, but we hope Brad has a few more big performances in him this autumn wearing the England shirt in Australia.”
The RLWBA has also awarded its Merit Award to Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy.
Davy, who stood down as Huddersfield chairman in July, has been recognised for his support of the club over three decades.
“Ken’s investment has established them as a Super League club for 28 of the last 29 seasons, during which they have regularly been play-off contenders, winning the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013,” added Hunt.
“They have also reached three Challenge Cup Finals, and it was impossible not to feel for Ken as the Giants fell at the final hurdle at Twickenham in 2006, Wembley in 2009 and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022.
“Following his decision in June to stand down as chair, this is a fitting time for the RLWBA to show our appreciation for Ken’s contribution.”