2006 Young player of the year nominees ?

[JasonE]

I'd say it would be out of

Chris Ashton - Wigan
Sam Burgess - Bradford
Michael Shenton - Castleford
Danny Washbrook - Hull FC
Ryan Atkins - Wakefield

 

[East Coast Tiger]

Ashton would have to be a special. He's basically played the full season and has been a standout, even if it was in an average team. Then again I know sometimes they like to give these awards to forwards because there is a perception that it is harder for a young forward to step up to the physical demands of top flight football than a back. Those four were all very good.

 

[ParraDude_Jay]

Is James Graham eligible or does the nomination last year cancel him out? He's the only one who could keep it from Ashton.

 

[Fairleigh Good!]

Graham should be elligable and should win it.

Besides him it should go to Washbrook at Hull. Both of those players have had fantastic seasons.

Ashton, like many others at Wigan only played half a season with any interest or effort. He was pretty woeful defensively until Noble arrived. I feel like Daniel Anderson in that we have to stop giving all the praise and attention to the basement dwellers.

It is ridiculous that most pundits have Brian Noble down as coach of the year and Ashton down as young player of the year when you have the likes of Daniel Anderson, Peter Sharp, Karl Harrison, James Graham, Danny Washbrook and co who have been successful this season and have performed brilliantly.

As Ando says lets not reward those who struggle their way to mediocrity, lets instead celebrate those who push the boundaries at the right end of the scale.

 

[JasonE]

Is James Graham eligible or does the nomination last year cancel him out? He's the only one who could keep it from Ashton.

im not sure but i should of titled this thread "best newcomers" because these are the ones who have been outstanding in their first season.

Guys like Roby and Graham have been playing for a couple of years now so i didn't add them.

 

[douglasallen91]

im sure washbrook just sealed it.

 

[deluded pom?]

Washbrook only got regular gametime towards the back end of the season but slotted in like he'd been playing first team for years . He must be in with a great shout .

 

[douglasallen91]

michael dobson would be a chance as well

 

[deluded pom?]

I forgot about Dobson . He's had a fantastic season for both the Catalans and Wigan . He must be a strong contender . That's all we need . The young player of the season being an Aussie .

 

[bartman]

Well James Graham wins the award. Not a debuntant, but well deserved in the context of the official award.

Loved Washbrook's work in the first try against Bradford last week. Very classy.

Season-wide Ashton has stood up under difficult circumstances at Wigan, and will definitely be one to mark heavily or watch in coming years.