Farrimonds a Leyther

The nominees for young player of the year are Brad O'Neill, Nicholson and Josh Thewlis - would have thought George Delaney would be on there.

Buzzing for Brad, hasn’t taken a backwards step since his debut and deservedly got that spot as starting hooker. Good too see his hard work recognised.

Incredible progression over the last 4-5 months. Considering he's only just turned 21 - the sky's the limit.

Saints fans not happy that Delaney isn’t on the list. I am a bit surprised. I guess him not playing much early on has counted against him.

I’m bias but it feels like O’Neill wins it quite comfortably from that shortlist. He’s had a terrific season and is playing well above his years. I have held back on throwing his name forward, because he’s so young but I’m leaning towards saying he should be in the England squad. I don’t see many English hookers who have outplayed him this season.

This also sounds biased but I don’t think he would’ve been far behind Ipape for the spot in the dream team, not many hookers if any have been better than Brad. Even then I don’t think Ipape has set the world alight but probably a step too far for Brad.
I thought it wouldve been between Delaney and Brad for YPOTY, but Nicholson has missed a good few games too.

And Harry's neither

Don’t know how I forgot that, I always say “he’s not a Wiganer” when they sing “he’s one of our own”

As a Saints fan I like Harry Smith. Admittedly I don’t see him as often as you all do. But I would definitely have him at Saints. I think he currently offers more than Dodd does and whilst Dodds ceiling may be higher, it’s irrelevant if he doesn’t reach that ceiling. I notice a poster mentioned earlier that he’s not a big game player but I disagree. The vision and execution for that kick to Marshall in the CC cup semi against Saints was the epitome of a big game play.

The whole “he’s not a big game player” is a farce. How he didn’t win Lance Todd trophy in that game is still a mystery. He’s been brilliant in almost every big game since Peet has taken over. A lot of Wigan fans don’t rate him though cos he misses a few goals, but his in game kicking is for me the best in league. The amount of games we’ve won with his kicking game is immense for his age. Leigh on Friday was a perfect example.

This is his first proper year as an our number 7.

Few growing pains which will happen with young halves (HKR away GP, Hull home GP first half) but he’s getting better and better.