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

PRESS RELEASE: Props prepare for nuddy run

PRESS RELEASE

The Prop Forwards Union brings attention to those members facing the annual ritual of the nuddy run for not scoring a try.

Members identified are as follows:

• Lee Jewitt
• Romain Navarette
• Josh Johnson
• Daniel Smith
• Iafeta Palea'aesina
• Dane Tilse*
• Olsi Krasniqi*
• Lama Tasi
• Chris Annakin
• Anthony Walker
• Anthony England
• Jordan Cox
• Mitchell Dodds
• Ryan Bailey
• Jack Buchanan
• Jay Chapelhow
• Alex Gerrard
• Manase Manuakafoa
• Joe Bretherton
• Frank-Paul Nuuausala

(* - still have a game remaining)

Members have until 5pm on Friday September 30 to appeal with supporting evidence.

The Union reminds members to consider public decency when undertaking their punishment and also that warm weather enhances everything.

ENDS

New inductees to the Hall Of Fame

The back end of the season always sees a raft of retirements. Sad, but time catches up with us all eventually. Two of the big names hanging up the boots this time have spent far longer in the game than anyone could reasonably expect aged 38 and 37 respectively. Young man's game? Maybe not any more.

Brothers Morley and Peacock have given years of service to the game and to this union since promotion from the back row to the front. Standard-bearers both, stalwarts, decent blokes - that's the example we want senior members to set for the younger element. Both these chaps are worthy of their place among the glitterati of the Hall Of Fame and will surely continue to play a role in the promotion of prop-forwardry in the future.

By way of tribute to their glittering careers, here's one of Comrade Morley's big hits:



and about a dozen of Comrade Peacock's:

Statement Regarding Weekend Incident

After the coming together between two centres at the Tetley's Challenge Cup tie on Saturday, the PFU chastises all members for their lack of involvement in the aftermath. The fact no member has been seen to swing a punch in this mêleé is a disgrace to the good name of this Union.

There is a serious culture problem within the Huddersfield chapter, this is the second time in two weeks that a mêleé has been unattended by members and the shop steward has been called to answer the questions of the committee with a view to stopping this disgraceful behaviour.

Furthermore, the Prop Forward's Union congratulate all 8 clubs who have progressed to the Quarter Final of the Tetley's Challenge Cup.

Retro Richard Moore - D'ya know

Richard Moore, d'ya know, before he started down the path of darkness d'ya know, (white boots, d'ya know, Westwood bag, d'ya know, etc etc) with a classic TV interview, d'ya know, with the nice man from SKY with the fizz, d'ya know, and a hundred quid, d'ya know.



D'ya know, belting bit of footage and a worthy cause as well.

Kicking Around

Now then

Much to report after a busy couple of weeks for the membership.

We start in the Championship where Steven Pickersgill was severely reprimanded after a Grade 2 "kicking the football" offence in the recent fixture against Toulouse. Look lad, you can't go round doing stuff like that if you want your chance with the bigger lads next year in Super Duper League and with TV cameras present as well

If it weren't bad enough for Craig Huby and his broken kneecap, he wasn't over impressed being hauled up to PFU Towers to explain the arrival of a white booted Martin Aspinwall sticking his melon in the front row of the scrum during the recent game against Leeds. Huby, god bless him, twanged the heart strings of a few of the committee members by tipping up with his less than three week old son with him to the meeting, claiming the wife was busy entertaining his daughter and he was a "modern parent". A clever ploy by Mr Huby but the Chairman still has his heart of stone and a reprimand was issued to the club as a whole.


Big Eorl at Huddersfield caused consternation t'other day by posting his new boots on his twitter account for one and all to see.

These boots are not acceptable lad. Bring tha cheque book, oh and a pen as well.

We also apologise for printing this picture and we acknowledge the author of this picture and his intellectual (er) rights

And, to boot we also think you should volunteer to be the new Back to Black ambassador as a punishment

Richard Moore heaps more disgrace on himself and the good folk of North Wales after his disgraceful antics at Headingley t'other Saturday Not satisfied after getting a ban after being clouted by some full back t'other Monday his left footed bomb and subsequent chase were clearly seen by one and all on NATIONAL FREE TO AIR Television. What the hell are you thinking lad?

Down in sunny Wakefield, with the antics of Kyle Amor running across the line, showing and going and running through gaps to score has gone down like the proverbial lead balloon. Granted it was against lower clash opposition but Mr Amor has been sent a warning letter reminding him of his duties towards the Union and we expect his conduct to improve in the near future.

The committee were saddened by the decision to charge Nathan Brown over comments made after the Leeds v Huddersfield game with regards to letting his big blokes look after the little ones. The prospect of seeing members going mano a mano on the meadow have now been dashed for some time to come.

We were saddened to hear the news from Australia about former member Sam Burgess being knocked out for the rest of the year with a bad injury and the committee would like to wish the lad a speedy recovery and we hope to see him back on the paddock soon rather than filling up the twitter feed of the Chairman. Maybe he can remind his younger brother, Thomas, about this try scoring lark and maybe look to the effort of Frank Watene as inspiration.

Now we like Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, despite him being a Southerner and all that. He needs to clean up his act big time, the language he uses on his twitter account made the Hon Secretary's eyes water so much there's a kleenex shortage at the Towers. He needs to learn the act of banter as well, because at the moment he's an expert in shanter. (thanks @GavWilson ) He also needs to learn not to mess with Nicholas Scruton, who put him quickly back in his place with an eloquent put down.

The PFU advice line somehow opened via our twitter account this week, we had an enquiry from @Craig311981

"I need help, my son isn't a prop, he is 7, I've just bought him blue and white boots, with pink stripes, where do I pay the fine"

Apparently this @craig311981 is a prop forward encouraging his lad not to follow union guidelines. He was taking liberties until he explained that his offspring was happy hiding in the back. Toughen the lad up and make sure he follows in your boots.

We're more than happy to help anyone who gets in touch on the twitter, just don't be offended by the reply.

Thanks again to this weeks dobbers and dabbers, @Kevbateman, @MatthewAHorton @petevickers @atomictrain @jourdmart @RobNixon586 @neilbarraclough @andywiz @garrylad

Oh, and we'd like to plug the fund raising barbecue at Odsal on't 3rd July for the Floods and Earthquake victims. ISC have sponsored it and there is a Barby, beer and some Touch Rugby competition. To get a team in that, contact friend of the Union Ricky Wilby on 07598 564996 or follow him on twitter at @RickyWilby or @scratchingshed2 for more information about the do,

WARNING!

This has been brought to our attention, it is one of THE darkest days of our fine Union in recent years.



We do not expect any of our members to repeat this!!!!

Union laughing stock

Not this union, you understand, the other one. Rugby union. Yes, it comes as a shock to us all that they can make themselves look more foolish than anyone thought possible, but they've done it. It's farewell from the PFU to Willie Mason (Hull East) after a farcical time in England with Hull KR playing the rulebook like a finely tuned piano. Having given up on attempting to get him a Tongan passport, he's now off to play the fifteen-man game in France where he'll be deployed as a fancy-dan centre. Yes, that's right. Willie Mason - THE Willie Mason - a fancy-dan centre. Beggars belief doesn't it. There is no word yet whether Rovers will be retaining the huge pile of unsold 'Mason 23' jerseys in anticipation of a move to sign Huddersfield's Keith for next season.

Easter is always a busy period and that's no different at PFU headquarters. We had Paul Wood and Garreth Carvell (Warrington) reported to us for potential try-scoring breaches against Salford on Good Friday, but Carvell's was well within guidelines while Wood's may normally have incurred a fine, he successfully used the "but Salford were utter rubbish" defence. Moreover, we caught sight of this picture on Twitter of him doing sterling work on the union's behalf, so how could we be anything other than lenient.

Paul Johnson (Wakefield) continues to blot his copybook with fancy footwear and a 30-metre try against Castleford. He should learn from Andy Coley (Wigan) who went on a similar run, realised his mistake and knocked-on over the line against Wakefield on the Monday.

Disturbing scenes at the Odsal Superdome on the Thursday where an entire scrum packed down in white boots. Even Andy Lynch - not normally the rebellious type - succumbed to temptation and we'll be calling in the Bradford and Leeds shop stewards for a cup of tea and a chat. Lynch was also reported for his try in that game, but a review of the available footage showed he was OK.

Karl Temata's (London West) try against Hull KR, also on Monday, was reported to us. He broke the line 10 metres out and went over unopposed, but his flapping mullet was taken into account when deciding no further action would be taken. It's not been a vintage year for Richard Moore (Wales North) who is rapidly becoming the worst offender. Whilst wearing white boots against Leeds on Monday, he was also chinned by a full-back. Yes, he got his retaliation in afterwards, but is the motto of this fine union not (among other things) Thou Shalt Get Thy Retaliation In First Lad. Meanwhile on Tuesday, there was precious little going on at Huddersfield where Nathan Brown has yet to follow through on his threats to call open season between the big lads. Get on with it lad.

More Twitter nonsense from the disgraceful Luke Burgess (Leeds) who revealed he was getting waxed. Apparently, that hurts, so we feel obliged to add to the pain by stinging him with a fine. Cough up, young 'un.

Finally, best wishes to reformed character Craig Huby (Castleford). A broken kneecap is a bloody horrible injury and everyone at HQ wishes him a speedy and successful recovery.


Thanks to this week's spotters, namely @W_L_Andy, @andywiz, @MatthewAHorton, @atomictrain, @whatmichaelsays and @exiledwool. Keep up the good work and let us know what you see when you're out and about.

Our new favourite union member

Herewith the latest from PFU Towers.

We like to start on a positive and it's great praise first off to Paul Wood (Warrington) who was involved in a Twitter spat with cheeky half-back Lee Briers about boot colouration. "Black boots all day me, pal", commented Mr Wood after Mr Briers accused him of wearing white. He continued "Only softys wear other colours than black boots". Yes they do indeed sir. Mr Wood has been a favourite of the Chairman for some time given his 100% attitude, all-out style and constant grafting. This has tipped him over into gold star territory.

The big stink at Leeds last Friday can't go uncommented for good and bad reasons. Firstly, Ian Kirke (Leeds) packed down at loose forward. We've only just processed his union membership and that's how he repays us? Treachery. Fine issued. Two fully paid-up members from the Leeds chapter took a liking to cheeky half-back Kevin Brown. First, Kylie Leuluai clobbered him late and gets brownie points for his "I got there as quick as I could" excuse. Later, Ryan Bailey had a crack at Brown after a verbal set-to which sparked a bit of a schemozzle. It was nice to see Luke O'Donnell, the Huddersfield back row, race to get involved and then stand aside, clearly realising that this is an area where union members have first dibs. It's warming to know that non-members respect the traditions of our organisation, but where were the Huddersfield union contingent? Someone needs to speak up in the way that Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown did after the game.

Brown, Nathan that is, suggested that if referees aren't going to protect his half-backs, he'd have to get his big fellers to do it instead. We hope he meant our union membership when he said that and if he's declaring open season for our members on half-backs, we can see a delegation making the trip to the Galpharm a bit more of a regular feature this season. Being a little hooker in his playing days, Brown clearly realises the benefits of protection from union membership and we hope he follows through on his pledge.

The week previously, Mr Bailey also earned himself credit for smashing Willie Mason (Hull East), but his ire may have been better directed at Rhys Lovegrove who was named at loose forward.

Wakefield seem to have their house in order boot-wise. Messrs Kyle Amor, Liam Higgins and Paul King all had appropriate footwear on at the weekend. Only Paul Johnson did not. We're watching, lad.

Some try-scoring breaches to report. Rémi Casty's (Perpignan) effort against Wigan last week was a good 20 yards beyond union guidelines and Tony Puletua (Tellins) backed up a break over 60 metres to take the scoring pass against Wakefield. Andy Lynch (Bradford) was reported to us for his try against Salford, but a review of the video evidence showed it to be well within guidelines.
Wigan's Andy Coley created a try with a kick which will trigger the usual fine and Nathan Massey (Castleford) bagged a hat-trick in an under-20s match. Just because it's not first grade doesn't mean we don't learn these things. Fine issued.

Staying with the Perpignan chapter, shop steward David Ferriol gave little Hull scrum-half Sam Obst a right wallop in the tackle which pleased our observer and we like the cut of Mickael Simon's jib, although someone needs a word about boot colouration. Perhaps Mr Wood when next those sides meet.

Finally, a sad tale of former member Paul Highton, spotted enjoying some refreshment in an Oldham hostelry the other night. "He can't drink to save his life" said our informer, something which can't be said of Steve Molloy who clearly can.


Thanks to our contributors this week, namely @W_L_Andy, @Kendall_17, @Kevbateman, @garrylad and @stumain. Keep em peeled over the ever-busy Easter period. Contact the chairman on his Twitter or leave us a comment below. Thanking you.

Hard or vindictive and a Vivienne Westwood bag

Lots of business to catch up on this week with some highly contentious talking points.

The big one of course is the stink kicked up by Jeff Lima's (Wigan) attack on a vulnerable Chris Clarkson. We can't condone this. Our representative in the stands didn't like it at the time and repeat viewings of the footage doesn't make it look any better. We're all for playing the game hard and not standing for any nonsense, but there's a line and Lima crossed it. There was nothing to be gained by his intervention other than potentially putting the career of a young opponent in jeopardy when said opponent could do nothing about it. It's not big and it's not clever. If Lima has a beef with Mr Clarkson, then there's an appropriate way to deal with it, much like Ben Cross (Leeds) did in the immediate aftermath. It was good work from the big Australian to step in, issue some summary justice and calm it all down. Severe reprimand for Lima, commendation for Cross.

Garreth Carvell (Warrington) may also have crossed a bit of a line when he walloped cheeky Perpignan half-back Scott Dureau late, high and off the ball. At first, it looked like Dureau was seriously hurt, but after a night in hospital he's OK. It's all part of a growing trend. We all like a bit of roughness, but you've got to respect your opponent. Cheap shots do no favours to you or the union. Consider this a general warning.

David Ferriol (Perpignan) is in bother for first flinging a cut-out pass for a try and later going on a weaving, side-stepping 30 metre charge for a quite spectacular try at Warrington. You wouldn't catch Brendan Hill doing that and so the appropriate fine is issued. Currency to depend on where we collect. Congratulations to his team-mate Rémi Casty though, a feisty young character we've had our eye on for a while. He made his 100th appearance for his club last week.

Other try-scorers this week were Ray Cashmere (Salford) and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (Tellins). Cashmere's was raised to us by @CuppaBrew on twitter who says "Not sure if it breaches union rules". It doesn't young man, but you're quite right to be vigilant. McCarthy-Scarsbrook got two, but neither was from more than a few inches, so no case to answer there either.

Boots next. We've been enjoying Nick Fozzard (Castleford) on Twitter, but being amusing is not an acceptable defence for yellow boots. Fellow veteran Karl Temata (London), on the other hand, is to be commended for both his black boots and his burgeoning mullet which wouldn't look out of place on an Australian sheep farm.

At the Castleford v Wales North game the other week, we were alerted by Nevchenko5 to an incident which saw an all-in brawl that saw three backs sent to the sin bin. Where were the membership? Video evidence wasn't conclusive, but we've called both shop stewards in to the office to find out what went on. While we're on the subject of Castleford, we hear that Craig Huby had a lovely evening at Disney on Ice. Hope you're proud of yourself, young man.

Finally, the most heinous crime of the week, month - maybe ever. We're indebted to @garrylad for his inside info on this one and it concerns serial offender Richard Moore (Wales North). His boots offences are racking up at a Huby-esque rate, but he's really blotted his copybook with this one. He was spotted leaving the dressing rooms at Salford proudly clutching a pink Vivienne Westwood bag. We had to look this Westwood character up and it turns out she's nowt to do with Warrington's Ben, not that that would have helped Mr Moore in his defence. Big fine and a letter advising him to future conduct. Also, we've called in his shop steward for a talking to.

Before we sign off, a quick hello to the new visitors who found us via our new best mate Andy Wilson's latest Guardian blog. Welcome aboard and help keep us up to date with the various shenanigans of the membership on here and the Chairman's Twitter.

Retro prop action

Thanks to Guardian scribbler Andy Wilson for reminding us of this classic clip of Hull KR prop Mark Broadhurst in action in a tour game against Queensland.



Top propping. That's how you deal with cheeky hookers. Cheers for that Andy.

A question of fitness

Another week with our ethics committee pouring over yarns of videotape to sort out the good from the bad from the fine-able. One of these days we'll swap the old Betamax for one of these VDs we keep hearing so much about. Anyway, to business and you lot out there have been busy in keeping us informed from around the grounds.

James Graham (Tellins) scored a try in his club's home defeat to London at the weekend and we were alerted by @CuppaBrew on Twitter. "Anyone cited James Graham's try yet?" asked Mr Brew. "It looked like a barge but you can never be sure". You cannot, young sir, and both your vigilance and concern are to be admired, but a thorough review of the footage shows there's nothing to worry about here. Keep up the good work though.

Serial offender Craig Huby (Castleford) has been keeping his nose clean so far this season, but his reputation precedes him these days. He scored in a home win over the Catalan Dragons at the weekend which we were alerted to by @rickywilby on the Twitter, but it was from all of a foot and a half, so he's OK on that front. More disturbing was him taking a goal-line dropout which @W_L_Andy mentions. That's a more serious matter, but rather than a fine, he gets a warning letter as he donated his man of the match money to the charity dinner taking place tonight. That sort of thing should be encouraged.

Daily Mail scribbler Neil Barraclough has also been in touch with a couple of incidents. He cites veteran member Richard Moore (North Wales) for not only wearing green boots, but also putting in a grubber kick - left-footed, just to compound the incident - and tracking back 40 metres to knock a winger into touch. Where does one start? Frankly, the man should know better and a fine is the only action you can expect us to take. Cheque or cash, Mr Moore, you know the drill.

Mr Barraclough was one of a number of people to bring the situation at Leeds to our attention. They've a whole host of PFU stalwarts missing in action and have called up some reservists. We've not sent off a bunch of temporary memberships that size in some time. The one registered member was young Brad Singleton who rocked up in white boots for his Super League debut. What are they teaching him over in LS6? Taking money off a 17-year old feels like taking candy from a baby, but that's fun too, so a letter detailing how he can pay his fine is on it's way. We had a lengthy letter about this too, reprinted here:

"Evening squire. Want an update on footwear breaches at Hedley?

Given Leeds had "no fit props" (if that's not an oxymoron - by rights, there should be no such thing as a fit prop), there's still no excuse for temporary members James Jones-Buchanan (openside) and Ian Kirke (blindside) to be wearing the abominations they were wearing. Kirke was in (shudder) white, while Jones was sporting a red & white flashy number more befitting of a cheeky halfback. To compound this egregious error, he clearly forgot his role and scored a try. In his defence, all the hard work for the score had been done by a fullback...

Credit, though to young Jay Pitts, an early replacement for Kirke, who was sporting the traditional black. While front row may not be his usual position, he's clearly made of the Right Stuff. Good lad.

However, a black mark for the only recognised member of the Union among the matchday 17: Young Brad Singleton. Heralded as the 50th graduate of the Leeds Academy, his tutors clearly need a stern talking to. I don't know what they're teaching them at Kirkstall these days, but his white boots will have earned him a fine on his debut. A most inauspicious introduction to the Union, Singleton. Sort it out, boy.

However, perhaps the most worrying aspect of the result was that Leeds won the game comfortably with no recognised senior prop, thereby completely devaluing the Ancient and Noble Art. For undermining the Fine Traditions, they surely must face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute."

All valid points and we thank our mystery correspondent for his (or her) interest. Regarding the charge of bringing prop forwardry into dispute, that is a serious thing. We need to discuss this properly before making such a decision.

On the flip side for Leeds, a belated congratulations to Ben Cross for planting one on a cheeky half-back at Warrington while kudos also to Ray Cashmere (Salford) for wading in with his fists, although we need a look at his footwear. One report suggested they were silvery. The entire Bradford contingent looked splendid in black boots on Sunday at Huddersfield and the Chairman nearly had a fit the other day when skimming over the newspapers and saw this headline in the Huddersfield local rag. He was halfway out the door chuntering something about "murdering that bald mug in London" before the Treasurer could point out his error.


Thanks to all contributors for their vigilance this week. We do need your input to maintain the Fine Traditions. We also want nominees for the Hall of Fame, so don't be shy and if you fancy scribbling a few lines by way of citation for Hall of Famers, we're also interested. Leave us a comment or mither the Chairman on his Twitter feed, @PFUChairman

Fines begin to roll in

Lots of stuff arising from the last couple of rounds, so let's get right to it. Many thanks to our friends around the grounds for their reports and your continued involvement is key to making sure we see all we need to see.

The first couple of rounds of Super League were pretty quiet, but as we get into the season, the offences and the fines are beginning to flow.

Disturbing reports from Hull (West) where one of last season's stand-out performers, Mark O'Meley, has been letting his awards success go to his head. He's been spotted in white boots and setting up tries with some fancy handiwork reminiscent of a cheeky half-back. Moreover, his actions are obviously catching and Sam Moa from the same chapter has also been practising his flock-passes. Leave it to that Gidley feller, Moa. Both fined a tenner and warned as to future conduct.

Reports from Castleford show that they've got a prop in trouble for putting boot to ball on the last. For once, it's not that Huby lad, but Paul Jackson. We like Jackson and accept his appeal against his fine as it was more a fault of organisation that left him with the ball and precious few options. A ticking off will suffice in this instance, but don't let it happen again.

Craig Kopczak (Bradford) bagged himself a hat-trick last weekend, but reviewing the footage showed that the combined yardage for all three did not exceed ten. In that case, he escapes a fine, but a letter has been sent to him outlining that he really ought not to do it again.

Down in France, Rémi Casty (Perpignan) has been fined after chasing down a cheeky half-back who was on a 70 metre break while outside of Super League, Brendan Worth (Toulouse) bagged his first try for the club after over two seasons with the club. That's the sort of hit rate we like and it's congratulations to the residents of the Minimes area of Toulouse who won't have to see him running round the field stark bollock naked again.

In the Challenge Cup last week, York ran in 132 unanswered points, but congratulations to Alex Benson and Keegan Hirst for not getting involved while everyone else waded in. That makes up somewhat for Benson pretending to be a loose forward on too many recent occasions.

Finally, papers have been lodged for Lee Radford (Hull West) and a temporary membership for Ian Kirke (Leeds) have been applied for. We don't see any worries in rubber-stamping them.


Thanks to everyone who has offered their spottings over the last few weeks. Keep us informed via the Chairman's Twitter. We need your input to make sure the standards are upheld.

Hall of Fame

Now then.

An initiative we ought to have taken some time ago, we're looking at putting together a PFU Hall of Fame. To be nominated, a player must have upheld the values of this union and have been retired for a minimum of three years. We've got our own ideas, but we'd be happy to hear from you with your suggestions. Drop us a comment on here or twit the Chairman (is that the right terminology? Check this with the office junior before posting - cheers) and we'll start putting it together over the next few weeks and months.

Thanking you kindly.

Quiet opening to the season

Now then.

The season is well underway and one thing is clear. The Hon Secretary needs a new sat nav. It took us ages to get back from Wales and all because he didn't want to fork out for the Severn Bridge toll. But then I suppose that's why he was appointed to the position in the first place - tighter than a mermaid's brassiere.

Anyway, we're all back safe and have remarkably little to report from the Magic weekend. As it's early days, we'll just issue a general reminder to the membership that we're still looking at footwear and will be clamping down again, so get yer boot black out.

The major issue was the king-hit on Crusaders full-back Clinton Shift-cough-ski. Why was that left to the little hooker Wayne Godwin? The Salford shop steward Lee Jewitt has been summoned to the offices to explain.

Other than that, an investigation into two members from the North Wales chapter putting boot to ball, but generally well done. Keep it up.

More T-Shirt News

Nah then

Compliments of tha season to thi all.

Th’Hon Treasurer has clearly had a bit too much mulled mild in't build up to festive period.

He’s only gone and approved some new t-shirt designs fert PFU shop.






And, for a limited period only, 15% off everything when you type in the code, “YOUMADEIT” at t’checkout. He's lost the bloody plot giving that much off.

So get thi one tha loves a bit of clothing from't PFU for Christmas

http://propforwardsunion.spreadshirt.co.uk/

Thanking you kindly

T-Shirt Special Offer!!!!

Nah then.

I suppose tha's sin't advert on't side o'page here.

T’shop is now offering free shipping for all purchases made between 1st and 14th November. Ideal for getting the Chrimbo presents for the prop (or, gawd ‘elp us, the propette) in your life.

So, dig deep and look cool for't cats this festive season wit most exclusive range of clothing tha's likely to see.

All proceeeds to Union funds.

Thanking you kindly.

The Prop of the Year show

At a glittering ceremony at a prestigious venue (upstairs at the Partridge & Cow, Upper Cumberworth), the union dished out the usual awards. The original plan was to have it in Grand Final week, but the postponement prompted a change of heart on some of the awards. Let's have a look at who won what.

The first award was for the Sportsman of the Year. This went to Stuart Fielden (Wigan), with the Chairman particularly pleased to note his dramatic return to form. After a couple of years in the propping wilderness, he's knuckled down and got back to the standards he set back in the day to the point at which he now has a chance to dish some out to them Australians again.

The Hit of the Year award went to Nicholas Scruton (Bradford) for his bell-ringer on fellow union member Joel Clinton of the Hull (East) chapter. Apparently, Mr Clinton's ears are still ringing.

The Best use of Fists award is shared and, inevitably, it's shared between members from opposite sides of the Hull divide. Sam Moa and Liam Watts had a right set-to in the derby, flinging knuckle left, right and centre. Proper old-school biffo which the committee enjoyed immensely.

The Club of the Year statue goes to Hull FC who have set high standards in the art of prop forwardry. There's a consistency of excellence in both attire and attitude. The boots in particular have been a joy to behold with the only glimpse of white coming on the side of Peter Cusack's choice of footwear.

By contrast, the winners of the Anti-Club of the Year have been an utter disgrace. Wakefield, for it is they, had all union members decked out in daft footwear, to the point at which a youngster like Ben Gledhill saw fit to copy his elders. That's not the model role that elder statesmen like Richard Moore should be laying down for the next generation.

Tied into this comes the special Mardarse of the Year gong which goes to former Wakefield member Shane Tronc whose missus spat her dummy and he followed her back down under with an enormous thumb print on his head. Wakefield not good enough for her? Pfft.

The Disgrace to the Union award was only ever going to be Luke Burgess's. Anyone who has ever seen the lad's Twitter feed know that his life seems to revolve around Nandos, Starbucks and an unhealthy relationship with one of them fancy dan centres.

And before we get down to the big awards, the Chairman's Special Award is going to young Eamon O'Carroll of the Wigan chapter who, on his club's Mad Monday, went drink for drink with known pisscan Mark Riddell and nearly bloody beat him. A great effort from a young man and we'll be looking out for him in the future.

So to the big awards and first it's Johnny Forriner of the Year. The initial longlist had been whittled down to three and third was Ryan O'Hara (Wales North), David Ferriol (Perpignan) second, but the winner by a landslide was Mark O'Meley (Hull West). An outstanding season by the bizarrely-eared baldy, all done in boots as black as coal. A great debut season in the union and we look forward to more from the bloke.

James Graham was leading voting in the Young Prop of the Year, but his disgraceful showing in the Grand Final saw him drop out before the final three. There's no place for bawling at refs until you go pink in the face, let alone pretending to be a cheeky half back. Third was Larne Patrick (Uddersfield) whose strong running impressed everyone, second was Liam Watts (Hull East) despite occasionally being forced into the back row, but the winner was Nicholas Scruton (Bradford). A consistently excellent year in trying circumstances for his club, all done with respect for union rules and a smile on his face. And in proper footwear. If only all youngsters kept to the standard.

And so to the big one, the Prop of the Year. In third place, a bit of a surprise, was Stuart Dickens (Featherstone). He was outstanding all year in the Championship and has even knocked kicking goals on the head which is probably what caught the judge's eyes more than anything else. Following up on his Foreigner of the Year award in second was Mark O'Meley whose praises we sang earlier. The outright winner, a shock to no-one, was that venerable old stager Adrian Morley (Warrington). The term 'role model' is overused, but entirely appropriate here. He's led his side from the front, in a lovely pair of boots, and looks like a player six or seven years his junior. It's arguably been his best season yet and all should treasure him while he's still around. He won't last forever. A future Hall of Famer, without question. Mr Morley, your union salutes you.


All the gongs given out and pies eaten, it was on to a club for additional refreshment. A good night was had by all. Congratulations to all our winners and to everyone else, those are the standards. Follow the likes of Messrs Scruton, O'Meley and Morley and you won't go far wrong.

Awards dinner postponed

A special meeting of the PFU Committee convened on Sunday evening where a decision was taken to postpone the Prop of the Year awards dinner in light of the tragic news received during the course of the Championship Finals day re Terry Newton.

Of course, Terry was not a member of our union, but a large number of our current and past membership shared a front row with him and we have always recognised the symbiotic relationship between props and their hooker. Also, we've always admired a fierce competitor, whichever position they took on the field, and Terry was certainly one of those.

With so many of Terry's former colleagues in the union struggling to come to terms with what's happened, we feel it only appropriate to postpone our annual celebration of all things prop forward and an announcement about a rearrangement will be made in due course.

Thanking you kindly.

Awards longlists revealed

Nah then.

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. The effect of the union edicts and the seeming awareness of members that we have spotters around and about has seen a drop off in the number of offences witnessed. There are still boot offences around and about and we are quietly dealing with those. Rémi Casty was spotted last Friday chasing down a cheeky half-back all the way to the posts, but we reckon he was just kidding as he was never catching the lad.

Anyway, this time of year is always busy as we send out letters to the membership requesting their nominations for the two main awards at our glittering ceremony in about a month's time. Prop of the Year and Young Prop of the Year are both highly cherished awards and, having got the Treasurer's lad to tot it all up, we can now reveal the longlist which will be whittled down to a shortlist of four before the awards dinner.

So, the longlist for Prop of the Year (in alphabetical order):
Stuart Dickens (Featherstone chapter)
David Ferriol (Perpignan)
James Graham (Tellins)
Keith Mason (Uddersfield)
Adrian Morley (Warrington)
Ryan O'Hara (Wales North)
Mark O'Meley (Hull West)
Jamie Peacock (Leeds)
Mick Vella (Hull East)
Brendan Worth (Toulouse)

The longlist for Young Prop of the Year (under 25 at start of the season and in alphabetical order):
Luke Burgess (Leeds chapter)
Steve Crossley (Bradford)
Rémi Casty (Perpignan)
Ben Gledhill (Wakefield)
James Graham (Tellins)
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (London)
Larne Patrick (Huddersfield)
Paul Prescott (Wigan)
Alex Rowe (Sheffield)
Nicholas Scruton (Bradford)
Liam Watts (Hull East)

And there's the Johnny Foreigner of the Year, again in alphabetical order:
Mark Bryant (Wales North chapter)
Joel Clinton (Hull East)
David Ferriol (Perpignan)
Jim Gannon (Widnes)
Wayne Kerr (Oldham)
Kylie Leuluai (Leeds)
Sam Moa (Hull West)
Mark O'Meley (Hull West)
Ryan O'Hara (Wales North)
Mick Vella (Hull East)


There are other awards which we'd like to canvas opinion on from you, the wider Rugby League family. Let the Chairman know via Twitter or by adding to the comments section on here your nominations for the following:

Cheeky half-back slapping of the year. Which esteemed member has done most to rearrange the face (and doubtless the stupid haircut) of a cheeky half-back this year?
Best use of fists in a dramatic context. Who has dished out the best bit of biff on the field of play?
The disgrace to the union award. Daft haircut, poncy boots, scoring from 40 metres? Who's the worst?
Club of the year. Which club has done most for it's members or which chapter of members has best represented their club as a unit?
Anti-club of the year. Well it's the opposite of the above one ain't it. Which chapter has uniformly fallen foul of union guidance or which club has let the union down?
Sportsman of the year. Which member has gone above and beyond in the name of sportsmanship in this past season?

Let the Chairman know your thoughts.

Thanking you.