Widnes ARL Open Age Player Of The Year 2009

[Buffalo Bill]

Its that time of year again were the player of the year is crowned, i'm interested to hear peoples opinions on who has played well this year.

Through watching Simmies all year i can only suggest that Gary Middlehurst or Ste McDermott will be high on the list for the award although not 100% sure if you can receive it if you have played in the Professional game, although for Middlehurst this was only a short spell, so be harsh to hold that against him.

The Maries have had a successful year ending in promotion, and i believe Benson and Birdseye have been instrumental throughout the whole season.

As for the Albert & The Swan the same names will surely appear in the Randall & Olgivile.

With connections to Simms Cross i can only stick my money on Middlehurst or McDermott.

Anybody else any opinions on this?

[minichiello]

I believe you are correct on the assumption that no player who has signed professional terms is considered for the award

I think Ste McDermott will walk the award if this be the case, not only has he been outstanding all season, and Simmies top try-scorer for that matter, he learnt at the weekend that he is to be part of the Great Britain U23's touring party of Russia adding this to his Lancashire cap earlier on in the year!

That is if the Widnes committee don't come out with another pearler like picking someone from one of the nether leagues as they did last year?! Although I believe the lad played well I'm sure many of the players playing in higher, tougher leagues could drop down a few division's and stand-out like sore thumbs! Happened a few year ago when a player won the award from a team hadn't won a game all season?! 

Come on Widnes ARL it's the best player in the town that's supposed to be honoured not a sympathy award, if they're that good it should be an incentive to play at the 'highest' level and perform on the 'bigger' stages! 

[minichiello]

They should pick a Widnes ARL Dream Team as well, Super League and National leagues do? It's ok having the thread on here and everyone having their own thoughts but would be interesting to know who the power's that be think have been the best? Would make an interesting addition to a Widnes Cup Day Programme and create a big talking point amongst the crowd! 

[Patterson 1]

They should pick a Widnes ARL Dream Team as well, Super League and National leagues do? It's ok having the thread on here and everyone having their own thoughts but would be interesting to know who the power's that be think have been the best? Would make an interesting addition to a Widnes Cup Day Programme and create a big talking point amongst the crowd! 

I agree kav, some competition for the #1 jersey though?! 

[chemicsforever]

A great idea would be select a ARL squad of 17 from all the clubs in the town and play a game pre season at the Maries to remember Tony Hannon, each club could choose 4/5 players to form a squad, and the Maries could choose a squad from there two sides, a fitting tribute to a popular guy....on the POY......Gary Middlehurst for me, but there is a few good players knocking around at present.

[Buffalo Bill]

Didn't they do this the other year under the title "Barbarians" who then played Widnes in a pre season friendly, good shout to put it in the pogramme an celebrate it, might get a few more people through the gate and a touch more cash behind the bar if players and family stay to celebrate the players acheivement with a mention in the club after the match.
 

[minichiello]

Yes i agree with Gary but don't think he's eligible as i've said?  

Disagree with that 4/5 from each club that was the case when they picked that joke of a Barbarian team that took on Widnes a few seasons ago! It should be the BEST team picked, again, if they're good enough they should be at top level! Widnes ended up winning easily whereas they would have been given a game by the BEST possible team! And on this matter not necessarily as you've suggested with the Maries involved but watch this space!  

[minichiello]

I agree kav, some competition for the #1 jersey though?! 

Have been playing 6 in the 2nds m8! 

[Patterson 1]

Have been playing 6 in the 2nds m8! 
[/quote

I've played 6 all season - possibly why we've been so spangles! The fattest stand off since owen craigie!

[minichiello]

I've played 6 all season - possibly why we've been so spangles! The fattest stand off since owen craigie!

Dunno m8 the OLDbert had one on show the other night! 

[k8uck]

for me the player of the year has to come from Moorfield, Simmies or the Maries!

The Moorfield have won thier league and have earned the right to play in the prem next year.
possible P O Y's  Ste Kav and Danny Gilmore

Simmies have once again dominated the Prem and won the lanc cup.
possible P O Y's  Gaz Middlehurst and Ste Macca

St Maries have been promoted to NCL Prem the highest level in amateur rugby.
possible P O Y's Dave Prescott and Lee Birdseye

But if last years anything to go by someone from the tigers will get it! ( no offence )

Simmies won the national cup last year and Mick Randall from the Albert got it ( again no offence, good player )

[minichiello]

It's like they try and share it around the teams! 

It's Player of the Year and should go to the best player! 

[Patterson 1]

Birdseye and Middlehurst cant be counted as they played pro.

That Prescott lad looked good agianst us in Widnes Cup. From the swans id put forward adam elwell. 80 minute prop game in game out, and he isnt the biggest lad but what he lacks in size he makes up in heart. he loves himself though, handsome bounty.

For the young player, Luke Willings, at 16 has played every week for us, he is class.  but it will probably go to Mike Allen or Ben Bailey.

Wouldnt like to predict who will get the award though, but i bet its a simmies player!

[k8uck]

dave prescott has played pro too!

[Patterson 1]

Ok well scrap him then!
Who did he play for Kev?
Thought he was only young...?