NEWCASTLE THUNDER team chief Graham Steadman says selecting Will Roberts as the club’s coaches’ player of the year award winner was a straightforward process.
The former St Helens halfback was signed by York ahead of this season and has featured three times for the Super League side.
But as part of a partnership between the clubs which has proved fruitful for both, 21-year-old Roberts has spent the bulk of the campaign playing scrum-half for Newcastle.
Guided by Steadman’s experienced hand, the Blaydon side went into the play-offs as Championship runners-up to London Broncos.
Roberts, who didn’t make Saints’ first team but had valuable spells at Swinton, Rochdale and Widnes, also took Newcastle’s young player of the year accolade.
“Will’s been a pleasure to work with,” said Steadman.
“His attitude and attention to detail on and off the pitch is so good.
“He’s been consistent since day one and involved in so much of what we’ve done well as a team.”
Newcastle hooker Tom Inman has signed a two-year York contract after impressing on loan to them.
The 23-year-old joined Newcastle from Halifax in February.