Rob Hawkins completed a unique double at Saturday’s Wheelchair Rugby League Awards Night at Headingley when he was named Player of the Year for 2022 – three seasons after he won the first Young Player of the Year Award.
Hawkins, a try-scorer for England in their dramatic Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final win against France last November, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Halifax Panthers regaining the Betfred Wheelchair Super League title – culminating in scoring five tries in their Grand Final victory over Leeds Rhinos in Manchester.
His England team-mate Nathan Collins, who scored five tries for Leeds in their defeat, succeeded Hawkins as the Young Player of the Year for 2022 – this was the first awards ceremony for three years, as a result of the interruption to Wheelchair Rugby League caused by the Covid pandemic.
Leeds were also recognised for the Performance of the Year with their memorable victory over Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final in Hull.
Phil Roberts of Wigan Warriors was recognised as Coach of the Year, with Kieran Holt of Rochdale Hornets winning the Championship Player of the Year award, and Ollie Cruickshank named Match Official of the Year. Sheffield Eagles also received recognition after being named as Club of the Year.
Special awards were made to the former Leeds and England star James Simpson following his retirement, and to Ralph Rimmer for his consistent support of Wheelchair Rugby League as Chief Executive of the RFL.
Sebastien Bechara, the England star who will again play for Halifax Panthers this season, was also re-presented with the Golden Boot award he won during the World Cup as the world’s leading player.
Details of the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby League season will be revealed later this week.
