FORMER England star Stuart Pearce, a well known fan of Rugby League, was special guest at the third annual Warrington Man of Steel Awards at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The event organised by warrington Wolves’ Foundation celebrates those teams and individuals who excel in Rugby League across Warrington.
Radio 5 Live Presenter George Riley hosted the evening, where 300 attendees were joined by Warrington Wolves stars past and present, along with Wolves’ Head of Coaching Tony Smith, who together with Pearce, provided some encouraging words for the stars of the future. Guests were also entertained by the talented choir from Sir Thomas Boteler High School.
Each of the 7 Amateur Clubs were asked to nominate their own Man of Steel, from age groups Under 12’s to Under 18’s, of which the top three at each age group were then shortlisted to attend on the evening. Other Awards on the evening included a Play Touch Rugby League Award, a Masters Award and also ‘Community Heroes’, with each Amateur Club selecting an individual who has gone above and beyond for their Club.
The evening came to a close with the ‘Heart and Sole of Rugby League Awards’, dedicated to those who have made their mark and left their legacy on our sport in Warrington.
Each of the Heart and Sole winners will have their own footprint, to be displayed next to the Wire2Wolves Heritage Timeline in the South Stand at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Winners
Under 12’s Man of Steel – Charlie Groarke (Rylands Sharks)
Under 13’s Man of Steel – Billy Cannon (Latchford Giants)
Under 14’s Man of Steel – Max Evans (Woolston Greens)
Under 15’s Man of Steel – Callum Turner (Rylands)
Under 16’s Man of Steel – Kieran Moore (Woolston Rovers)
Under 18’s Man of Steel – Casey Brown (Rylands Sharks)
Touch Rugby League Award – Peter Kearney
Masters Rugby League Award – Fit to Tackle
High School Award – Culcheth High School
Community Heroes
Bank Quay Bulls Community Hero – Jamie Barnett
Burtonwood Bulldogs Community Hero – Alan Frith
Crosfields Community Hero – Ian Boden
Culcheth Eagles Community Hero – Andy Stephens
Latchford Giants Community Hero – Ian Mercer
Rylands Sharks Community Hero – Darren McLoughlin
Woolston Rovers Community Hero – Nikki Whalley
Heart and Sole of Rugby League Award Winners
Pamela Caley
Mike Cooper
Warren Whalley
Councillor Terry O’Neill, Chair of the Warrington and Cheshire Rugby League Management Board said “It is fantastic to be able to recognise our young players for their achievements whilst at the same time we can recognise those who have made their mark on Rugby League in Warrington. The Rugby League Management Board have been the driving force behind this event and to see everyone together in one room is the vision we had. Now lets get more people, playing more Rugby League, more often!’
Special thanks goes to Stuart Middleton, Total Steelwork, Matrix Networks, Active Cheshire, Warrington Electrical Services, Paul Ireland Solicitors, Signs North West and OSI for their support on the evening.
The awards winners – Picture Bob Brough
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