Carl Forster has been voted Betfred League One Coach of the Year, after steering North Wales Crusaders to the title in his first season as a non-playing head coach.
Forster called time on his career as a tough ball-playing forward at the end of the 2024 season, and in his first year of coaching from the dugout, the Crusaders finished top of the League One table with 14 wins from their 18 matches.
That achievement has been recognised by Forster’s fellow coaches, who were also polled for their views on the Player and Young Player of the Year in Betfred League One.
Jordy Gibson, who has pulled the strings on the field for Forster at half-back after returning to North Wales from Swinton, is one of three nominees for the Player of the Year Award.
He is joined on the shortlist by the Rochdale Hornets half-back Lewis Else, who is aiming to win the award for the second year running after another outstanding season.
The shortlist is completed by Zarrin Galea, a Malta international who has been a major hit at full-back in his second season with Workington Town.
The winner of the Betfred League One Player of the Year Award will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester next Tuesday (October 7).
Louie Roberts, the youngest of three brothers who came through the St Helens junior system, has been voted Betfred League One Young Player of the Year after an impressive season at full-back for Swinton Lions.
Roberts and Carl Forster will also be presented with their Awards at the Rugby League Awards Night next Tuesday.
Betfred League One Awards 2025
Player of the Year nominees: Lewis Else (Rochdale Hornets), Zarrin Galea (Workington Town), Jordy Gibson (North Wales Crusaders).
Young Player of the Year: Louie Roberts (Swinton Lions).
Coach of the Year: Carl Forster (North Wales Crusaders).
