DENIS BETTS has retained the Women’s Super League Coach of the Year accolade – and his Wigan Warriors halfback Isabel Rowe could do likewise in the Young Player category after being named on a three-woman shortlist.
Wigan go in search of a second successive treble under Betts in Sunday’s Grand Final against York Valkyrie, having already kept hold of the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield titles.
Rowe has made a significant contribution to their continued success this season, scoring eleven tries and 108 goals across 17 league and Challenge Cup games.
The 19-year-old won’t face competition from halves partner Jenna Foubister, 19, who hasn’t been picked for the Young Player shortlist after making the final three in contention for the Woman of Steel.
Instead, Rowe goes up against two emerging Leeds Rhinos stars in centre Connie Boyd and hooker Ruby Bruce.
Boyd, 20, has scored 16 tries in 18 appearances in a breakthrough campaign across all competitions.
Bruce, 19, was nominated for the same award last year and has continued to impress with six tries in 17 games.
The shortlist has been determined by the England performance staff, and the winner will be announced at the Rugby League Awards on Tuesday, September 29, alongside the Woman of Steel, for which a Wigan winner is already guaranteed.
Eva Hunter – last year’s winner – and Megan Williams complete the three-player shortlist for the top prize.