Hull KR player of the season named on celebratory day for club

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - Paul Sculthorpe presents Hull KR's Elliot Minchella with his Dream Team shirt.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Hull Kingston Rovers captain Elliot Minchella is the winner of the 2024 Roger Millward Player of the Season.

Mikey Lewis was in second place, while Dean Hadley and Peta Hiku were joint third. Minchella had earlier been with Lewis in being awarded 2024 Super League Dream Team shirts, from Paul Sculthorpe, before travelling up for this award ceremony.

Minchella said on stage he was "very proud". Discussing leading the side, he said: "I hear people talking about pressure but it really is a privilege." He expressed his hope about wanting to look back on this season with "happy memories".

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That decision - and a range of other awards for the year - were announced at the club's 2024 end of season awards at Connexin Live on Monday night in front of over 1,000 people.

On stage, Lewis also said he had worked on hard on aspects such as consistency and temperament. The Members Player of the Season award was won by Lewis and, after receiving that, he paid tribute to his connection with "unique" player Tyrone May and said he is inspired by "jam-packed Craven Park".

Players' Player of the Season was won by Hadley, and Lewis was in second place for that, with Hiku in third. Hadley also won Community Player of the Season. The Hull-born, 32-year-old forward, discussing his role, said: "We don't do the pretty stuff, we do the other side of the game. It's about executing that."

The Colin Hutton Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Ryan Hall after a season in which he became Super League's all-time leading try scorer. Hall discussed his career journey, including how he chose to play for Hull KR despite interest from clubs including Hull FC. Discussing Rovers' progress during his time at the club, he called it "a great story".

Try of the Season was awarded to Kelepi Tanginoa for his long-distance dash and finish against Wigan Warriors - and he then said he should be back for the next game after injury. Tackle of the Season went to Lewis for his try-saving effort on David Fusitu'a away against Leeds Rhinos.

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters, in his speech, said: "We believed that we could be in the top two. And we've achieved that. But we haven't done anything yet. We are aiming for that trophy."

Young Player of the Season is centre Connor Barley and the Ged Dunn academy player of the season is second rower Frankie Dearlove.

Women's Player of the Year is Sophie Banks, who spoke about their future Super League dream despite an injury-hit Championship campaign this time.

The event was hosted by Sky Sports pundit Jon Wells and reporter Jenna Brooks. Wells described Hull KR's season as "brilliant", while Brooks praised Craven Park for its outstanding Super League atmosphere.

Moving tributes were also paid to Rob Crossland and Phil Lowe, with Phil Lowe Way coming soon.

Chairman Paul Sewell, in his speech, acknowledged the contributions of those from the past and their families. He also announced a Hull KR Business Academy, an education programme involving businesses and the University of Hull. The chairman spoke about Coldplay's concerts at Craven Park next year, saying Hull would "take its place on the national stage and beyond".

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