Friday 7 October 2016

Top Of The Props

As everyone knows, nobody on a rugby league field can do anything without the contribution of a prop forward. That's what makes the annual PFU award for the best prop in the game the most prestigious of all.

It's been a long year, a tough year, and congratulations must go to all our members for their hard work. Your efforts are not unnoticed through the year. Even Dane Tilse's. Even Grant Millington, whose spell at scrum-half funded the union throughout much of the year.

First to the Young Prop of the Year.
There was plenty of mention for the young lad at Hull KR who debuted at the back end of the season, but it turns out that James Peacock is actually 38 and therefore ineligible. Young in terms of prop means 25 or under, as everyone knows we don't peak until at least 28. There was an impressive crop this year, but our panel went for

SCOTT TAYLOR of Hull FC.

He's been improving year on year for some time now, but really hit his straps this year in an outstanding pack effort as the KC Stadium outfit ended the Wembley hoodoo and made the Super League semi-finals.
Many congratulations to him.

And so to the big vote. Our shortlist comprises:
Chris Hill
Scott Taylor
Liam Watts

What more can be said of Comrade Hill? A dogged and tireless worker, uncomplaining and uncompromising. People hate playing against him simply because he never, ever stops. And he capped his year with a galloping 35-metre try.
Comrade Taylor's continual improvement has seen him become one of the most devastating ball runners in the game. And at only 25 has a decade ahead of him as he aims up to becoming an international-class pack leader.
Hull's forward dominance is reflected in the nomination of fellow black-and-white front-rower Comrade Watts. Another one to cross the Rubicon River Hull to the KC, his game is developing into a true all-rounder's. A heavy-hitter in attack and defence.

So get voting. You have one week.

Prop Of The Year