Hornets Awards Night brings curtain down on 2026 season

On Saturday night, Rochdale Hornets brought the curtain down on a successful 2026 for the club, at our annual End of Season Awards Night.

The event, which took place at Rochdale’s historic Champness Hall, celebrated the club’s efforts and achievements throughout the 2026 campaign, with several awards handed out to players from our men's, women's and wheelchair teams. 

For the men's team, Lewis Hatton took home two awards - Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year.

Ethan Wood took home Coaches' Player of the Year, while a standout season on the scoring front saw TJ Boyd recognised.

As well as the usual awards handed out to members of our women's squad, a special International Recognition Award saw the club say thank you to our representatives from the Netherlands, who spend large amounts each season to travel over for games and represent the Hornets. 

Ahead of the Awards Night, Hornets general manager Matt Rigby visited Zaandam, just north of Amsterdam, to present our Dutch contingent with their individual trophies.

It was also a big night for our Hornets wheelchair team, who were recognised for a season which saw them lift the League Leaders' Shield, before winning the Betfred Wheelchair Championship Grand Final last weekend. 

Below, you can find a full list of our 2026 End of Season Awards Night winners:

MEN

Coaches' Player of the Year: Ethan Wood

Players' Player of the Year: Lewis Hatton

Supporters' Player of the Year: Lewis Hatton

Top Tryscorer: TJ Boyd

WOMEN

Woman of Steel: Sam Brazier

Coaches' Player of the Year: Evie Bradbury

Players' Player of the Year: Sam Brazier

Young Player of the Year: Harriet Wells

International Recognition: Eva Peroti, Fiona Kalf, Hiske Blom, Lisa Berding, Michelle Jurgens, Sydney Kalf, Vera van der Zwan

WHEELCHAIR

Coaches' Player of the Year: Callum Crombie

Players' Player of the Year: Kyran Holt

Young Player of the Year: Finn Hird & Marley Bellamy

Most Improved Award: Tom Graves

On the event, Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: "What a fitting way to bring down the curtain on a successful 2026 for our club and foundation. 

"It was a fantastic evening hosted in an historic Rochdale venue, showcasing all that’s great about Rochdale Hornets and the sport of rugby league.

"It was special to honour and reward the collective and individual achievements of our men’s, women's and wheelchair teams, and also to show respect and say thank you to everyone who has contributed this year. 

"Board members, supporters, staff, players, volunteers, sponsors and partners - one team, one dream. 

"It was a special event that demonstrated we truly are an inclusive club and all in it together, and while it was an evening of reflection, there was so much optimism and excitement in the room for what comes next in 2027.

"A special mention must go to our inspirational volunteers who continue to go above and beyond for the club. I won’t single you all out by name, but you know who you are. 

"Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. It matters profoundly to the club and never goes unnoticed."