Lewis Else crowned Betfred League 1 Player of the Year

Rochdale Hornets half-back Lewis Else was crowned Betfred League 1 Player of the Year on Tuesday night at the annual Rugby League Awards in Leeds.

Else has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Hornets, scoring 15 tries in 23 appearances for the club and assisting many more.

His consistent performances in the halves saw him scoop the award ahead of Oldham duo Danny Craven and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e.

The other two major League One awards handed out on Tuesday night saw Laulu-Togaga’e scoop Young Player of the Year and Midlands Hurricanes boss Mark Dunning win Coach of the Year.

Else also took home a number of awards at the club's End of Season Awards Night last month, winning Ray Myers Player of the Year, Timekeepers' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.

Taking to the stage to claim his award on Tuesday, Else said: “I’d like to thank Gary Thornton, because for me, playing well is all about being happy.

“Especially as a part-time player - going to work the next day or after the game on a Sunday, and training after work - you need to be happy at games.

“At Rochdale, we’re an aspiring club and Andy [Mazey] has big plans. If you’re happy playing rugby, you’ll stay there.

“This season, we weren’t far off. We fell at the last hurdle, but we’ll continue our form into 2025 and will hopefully be back next year.”