The Hattons Solicitors National Conference League has announced its shortlist for the 2012 Player of the Year Awards.

Three players from each division have been shortlisted by the NCL Management and the winners will be announced at the League Dinner on Saturday December 1 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield.

“There is some tremendous competition between the nominees but whoever wins the awards will be very worthy winners,” said Trevor Hunt, NCL Chairman.

“We have had another great season and the League Dinner will be a great way to conclude an historic year.”

Karl Dixon (Wath Brow Hornets), Shaun Quinn (Thatto Heath Crusaders) and Scott O’Brien (Leigh Miners Rangers) are the candidates for the Premier Division award.

After playing a leading role in Wath Brow’s Grand Final triumph Dixon could complete a tremendous year by scooping the award. The 19-year-old has had a season to remember which has been recognised by his selection for the English Lions.

Thatto’s Quinn has continued his points scoring feats with another impressive year. The free-scoring full-back has amassed over 250 points which helped the defending champions finish in fourth place in the regular season and go within two games of making it to back-to-back Grand Finals.

O’Brien – an influential figure at half-back for the Miners – had an outstanding season for the Twist Lane outfit. His form saw him contribute over 100 points to help secure a play-off berth whilst he also provided a valuable contribution to the Miners RFL Conference Challenge Trophy success.

The Division One nominees feature John Paul Brocklebank (Egremont Rangers), Nathan Kitson (Bradford Dudley Hill) and Josh Parle (Milford Marlins).

Brocklebank has been the key factor in Egremont’s title win and looks set to be one of the top players in the Premier Division next season. He scored over 250 points in a productive season, although Dudley Hill’s Kitson wasn’t far behind.

The English Lions international – equally at home at hooker or half-back – touched down 23 times in a campaign that saw his side narrowly fail to gain promotion.

Milford scrum-half Josh Parle had a great season for the Leeds side and showed the kind of form that earned him international honours within the student game in recent years.

Dale Lowe (Waterhead), Adrian Mulcahy (Eastmoor Dragons) and Liam Walmsley (Dewsbury Celtic) will compete for the Division Two accolade.

Forwards Lowe and Walmsley have been big influences on their side’s promotion, whilst Mulcahy has been outstanding despite the Dragons struggles at the lower end of the league ladder.


2012 Player of the Year Awards Nominees

PREMIER DIVISION
Karl Dixon (Wath Brow Hornets)
Shaun Quinn (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
Scott O’Brien (Leigh Miners Rangers)

DIVISION ONE
John Paul Brocklebank (Egremont Rangers)
Nathan Kitson (Bradford Dudley Hill)
Josh Parle (Milford Marlins)

DIVISION TWO
Dale Lowe (Waterhead)
Adrian Mulcahy (Eastmoor Dragons)
Liam Walmsley (Dewsbury Celtic)


For a list of all previous winners of the NCL Player of the Year Awards visit http://www.nationalconferenceleague.co.uk/about_ncl/roll_of_honour