With just the semi final and hopefully the grand final left to play, I'm interested in who people think has been our player of the year? In a season where most of our squad have had time out its a tough one.

Manfredi is our only dream team player and would have been in with a shout if his early season form had carried through.

Gelling has been superb and has reduced the number of brain farts significantly but again, he's had some time off with injury.

Bateman has been our best player but we all know about his club enforced suspension.

Williams has been very good in the super 8's but I think he had a dip in form mid season.

Smith has played all but 1 game but I don't think he's even in contention.

When MCIllorum got injured I genuinely feared for our season when Powell was given the job. However the deserves praise by the bucket load. 50 tackles a game is a tremendous effort, although he's not very creative.

My vote would go to Tautai. He's been outstanding and is one of the most consistent performers all season. His efforts have been real game changers and especially THAT tackle and try v Hull.

Thoughts?

Powell for me, closely followed by Charnley.

Powell for me. The way he has filled in for MM has been nothing short of superb.

Powell has done a fine job standing in but I wouldn't go as far as player of the season.

I'd go for Bateman in first place followed by Williams, Gelling and Powell (probably in that order).

We at Leigh could do with a first class , Any chance?

I'm tied between Powell and Tautai.

Closely followed by Smith then Williams.

The first three have been ever present this season during a season where we have suffered with more injuries I've seen in my 35 years watching the club.

It's testament to these four that our final position was 2nd (plus two semi finals) and not down there in the Middle 8's fighting for our SL survival.

(Bateman)
Powell
Tautai
Gelling

I can't agree with Powell, I know he's a 100% man, he tackles all day long, he just doesn't offer anything other than average distribution from dummy half. For a half back his passing is slow, he doesn't set himself right for quick ball out. If we are giving it out on effort, heart and commitment then yes he's up there. Otherwise I've got Bateman, Tautai, Williams, Charnley and Manfredi above him.

youll be happy with Atkins

Bateman before his enforced layoff.
I don't think any player has been particularly outstanding but I think that TT has certainly been the most improved player this season and is the forward who gives us the go forward and has played a significant part of our recent improvement.
I think Charnley in the last few weeks has started to look like the top class winger when he first burst onto the scene.
A special mention for Powell who I would describe as the clubman of the year who though unspectacular has shown commendable commitment and dedication to the cause. Still not sure though what his longer term position will be.
Perhaps the most pleasing for me has been Sutton who has gained a lot of game time and I think has made small incremental improvements throughout the season. Hopefully he will eventually become a top class prop that we desparately need.

Smith.
He's won us more games than anyone.
At times he's been the only senior player in the pivot positions and had to direct the younger players around as he's the only "voice" out there.
Even now with Sam and Lockers out which other senior player can lead us?
We are 2nd in SL and mainly due to his match winning efforts.
If Smith had played v Widnes we'd have won and been top.
Smith knows when to take the two, when not too and when a drop goal is needed.
Matty Smith my POY.

Don't get me wrong, I would agree that Powell is a limited hooker. It's the way he has dug in for the team as a half back playing all season in a constantly weakened pack that has gained my admiration. The way he has been asked to play, 80 minutes week in, week out must have been tough for him but no one can say he has ever shirked a minute of it. I wouldn't necessarily argue with the other contenders you named other than to say they normally have played in their natural positions.

Powell for me - yes he is limited as a 9 but the guy has had to play in a totally unfamiliar position, played 80 mins in most games and given absolutely everything in those games and not let anyone down. For me no one else gets close,

Bateman had a great start to the season but missed a large number of games and for me hasn't quite got back to his early season form (but is still our best forward).

Smith - cops a lot of flak (some from me at times) but given the constant chopping and changing around him it must have been difficult for him but has tried hard and at times won games for us. I doubt we would be playing tonight without him.

No one else really stands out for me, too many injuries and disruption I suspect has not helped - Charnley and TT have had decent seasons but a lot of others have been inconsistent.

I might take it back about Powell after tonight! His second spell in particular was immense and turned the tide back towards us.

Him, Bateman, Charnley and Farrell were immense I thought.

The intensity drop when Powell left the field reminded me of all those comments we used to get when MM went off after 20 minutes. No fault of young Sharrocks but we must run with Powell for 80 next week.