Barrie's back pats
Last updated: 19th September 2007
McDermott: plaudits
The hallmark of Super League 12 has been that each game has been a competition and you've gone along as a spectator not knowing who's going to win. That's what we want, that's what we've asked for and that's what we've got.
Paul Wellens (St Helens)
Kevin Penny (Warrington)
Adam Mogg (Catalans)
Jason Demetriou (Wakefield)
Scott Donald (Leeds)
Trent Barrett (Wigan)
Rob Burrow (Leeds)
Nick Fozzard (St Helens)
James Roby (St Helens)
Jamie Peacock (Leeds)
Gareth Ellis (Leeds)
Glenn Morrison (Bradford)
Stephen Wild (Huddersfield)
Barrie McDermott believes Paul Wellens should be Man of Steel again, but was happy to name some more unusual suspects as he handed out his end-of-season plaudits.
The former Leeds and Great Britain prop rounded off the first season of Boots 'n' All's Online Show by looking back at a sensational Super League XII campaign.
He gave his contenders for Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Man of Steel and even Referee of the Year, but was full of praise for everyone who has played a part in another nail-biting 26 rounds of rugby league.
"The hallmark of Super League XII has been that each game has been a competition and you've gone along as a spectator not knowing who's going to win," he said.
"That's what we want, that's what we've asked for and that's what we've got."
But as the top six head for the play-offs and the rest for a well-earned summer break, it was left to Barrie to hand out the back-pats and plaudits to those that have caught his expert eye.
Here are his winners over the past seven months...
Young Player of the Year
Sam Burgess at Bradford, for me, has been an outstanding talent. He's played week in, week out and to play in that front row at 18 years of age and give a good account of yourself, I think that deserves recognition. Outside bets might be Kevin Penny at Warrington, who is electrifying with the ball in hs hands and it's quite surprising to find that James Roby is still young enough to win that particular award.
Coach of the Year
The coach of the year this year, I think, should come from outside the top for. The top four teams we traditionally expect to be there in the shake-up when it comes to handing out the medals and trophies, but for me Jon Sharp has had a fantastic season: he's got Huddersfield Giants into the play-offs for the first time in Super League history. I also think you've got to give someone like John Kear some recognition because he's done a fantastic job with Wakefield, who only just missed out on the top six. And I think Justin Morgan has done a great job as well. Not only has he kept Hull KR in Super League he has picked up some great scalps along the way.
Man of Steel
I personally would like to see that kept-in house and make overseas players ineligible for that. I think for the Players' Player you can vote for anybody. But for me Paul Wellens has had a better season this year than last year, but you have also got to take overseas players into account. Trent Barrett has won various games for Wigan on his own and Jason Demetriou has kept battling away for Wakefield.
Referee of the Year
My referee of the year is Phil Bentham. I wouldn't be nominatiing any referees if I was still playing, but Phil is probably the one still around who hasn't sent me off. So well done to you Phil!
- Video
Comments
Ryan Mcconnell says...
i really do not see all the hype about trent barret and why people keep saying he has won most of the games for wigan the only game we have seen him properly play this year was when wigan beat bradford 31 30 in the playoffs. could anybody please enlighten me why he keeps getting so much credit?.
Posted 18:47 14th October 2007
Roger Smith says...
It is easy to be a good coach when you have lots of talent. Thus Daniel Anderson is lucky. Besides being a good coach, he has the best all round team in the country. Barry is correct to pick out the coaches whose teams have more limited resources and who brings out the best in his players, so Barrie's choices for me are spot on.
Posted 21:50 12th October 2007
Stuart Tucker says...
i agree with Barrie, Man Of Steel should recognize British talent and Players Player can be any nationality..good call Macca! Would we be wasting time announcing a tackle of the season or what about try of the season?
Posted 20:51 11th October 2007
John Haigh says...
i agree with ian graham about Ganson he is a dead loss, he should be demoted to a lower league to re learn the rules , and only then allowed back in super league when he is competent.
Posted 19:34 11th October 2007
Ian Graham says...
Leeds season ticket holder for seven years and will NEVER go to a game of ours again when Mr Ganson has any input towards it. What a joke he was in the Leeds - Wigan playoff game last week.
Posted 17:38 8th October 2007
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