Stars turn out for Man of Steel Awards night

SPORTING legends turned out in force at the fourth annual Warrington Man of Steel Awards at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

A sold out Martin Dawes Legends suite celebrated those teams and individuals who excel in the great game of Rugby League across Warrington.

Rugby League great and TV presenter, Brian Carney, hosted the evening, where over 300 attendees were joined by Warrington Wolves’ stars past and present as well as former England football captain Stuart Pearce and Lancashire and England cricketing legend Neil Fairbrother. Both keen Wolves fans, they presented prizes and provided some inspiring words for the stars of the future.

Guests were also entertained by vocalist Amelia.

New Wolves head coach Steve Price was on hand to give his views on his appointment and to speak about his hopes for the future success for rugby league in Warrington. Youth development at the club is of huge importance to the former assistant coach at National Rugby League side Cronulla Sharks. He intends to “endeavour to build a tough and resilient team, that is attractive to watch and will enhance the Wire brand.”

Each of the towns seven amateur clubs were asked to nominate their own Man of Steel, from age groups Under 12s to Under 18s, of which the top three at each age group were then shortlisted to attend on the evening. Other awards included: Play Touch Rugby League, Masters and also ‘Community Heroes’, with each amateur club selecting an individual who has gone above and beyond for their club. These are the unsung heroes underpinning the grass roots of the sport.

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. The recipients all encapsulate everything that is special in the game they love. 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.

THE WINNERS

Under 12s Man of Steel – Billy Myers ( Bank Quay Bulls)

Under 13s Man of Steel – Leon Hayes (Rylands Sharks)

Under 14s Man of Steel – Toby Good-Marsh (Burtonwood Bulldogs)

Under 15s Man of Steel – Dean Beddall (Crosfields)

Under 16s Man of Steel – Oliver Livett (Rylands Sharks)

Under 18s Man of Steel – Kieran Moore (Woolston Rovers)

Open Age Man of Steel – Hayden James (Crosfields)

Play Touch Rugby League Award – David Sturgess

Masters Rugby League Award – Dave Reid

High School Award – Kings Acadamy

Referee of the year – Matt Charnock