With the regular season all wrapped up it’s time to turn to the playoffs but also to reflect upon the brilliant Super League season we’ve just witnessed with Leigh Leopards shocking everyone, St Helens going strong in their ‘drive for five’ and teams like Leeds Rhinos falling short of expectations.
As well as general thoughts on the season it’s also time for those who have starred to lift silverware and earn deserved recognition and that’s been the case today with both the Coach of the Year and Young Player of the Year nominations.
It was no surprise to see Adrian Lam on the four man shortlist for Coach of the Year, whilst the coaches of first and second place Wigan and Catalans were also nominated in Matt Peet and Steve McNamara.
The fourth candidate was Salford Red Devils’ Paul Rowley who took his side within one win of a playoff berth on an incredibly small squad that was ravaged with injuries, however it did upset plenty of Hull KR fans who felt first time head coach Willie Peters was snubbed.
There’s now been more contention and upset at the shrotlist for the Young Player of the Year award with two Warrington Wolves players and a sole Wigan Warrior nominated.
Ex-Wigan man Matty Nicholson is on the list alongside teammate Josh Thewlis, whilst Brad O’Neill represents table toppers Wigan but one key question that’s being asked is where is St Helens’ George Delaney?
The young prop has had a breakout season after being thrusted into the limelight following suspension and injury among Saints pack, with Paul Wellens singling Delaney out for praise on multiple occasions.
Fans have queried the decision in the replies to the official announcement on X, formerly Twitter, by the Betfred Super League account.
A Wigan fan led the queries, commenting: “No Delaney? He’s had to cover for two long term injuries. But g’wan Brad.”
Others were more cynical of the nomination system exclaiming: “Jesus you lot couldn’t organise a one man raffle”
One fan described Delaney as ‘head and shoulders’ above the nominated trio, labelling his omission as ‘criminal’.
“The fact that Delaney isn’t even nominated despite being head and shoulders above these three is criminal”
Many noted the difficult situation and position that Delaney has been thrusted into as another factor making his snubbing all the more extraordinary.
“Wow – George Delaney at the hardest position in the game for a teenage kid literally walks this award,” claimed one fan.
Another made a huge claim about his credentials: “George Delaney has been the best young prop in the last 5 years. Crazy.”
An anti St Helens agenda was believed to be at play by a different X user.
“Can the anti Saints bias be any more obvious?”
