On Saturday 16th September we held our annual awards evening. Present were numerous club sponsors, club staff and members of all the playing squads. Available now is a list of the winners and a short rundown of the night’s events.

Academy Player of the Year: Harvey Smith. A successful year for youngster Harvey Smith as he was selected for both Yorkshire and England’s Academy, taking home the Man of the Match award for England.

 

Reserves Player of the Year: Jordan Schofield. Schofield also enjoyed a fruitful year with frequent runouts for our Reserves side. He was presented the award by first teamer Max Jowitt, who came through our academy and reserves squads.

 

Young Player of the Year: Sam Eseh. Last year Sam was awarded the Championship Young Player of the Year, this year he was handed his Super League debut and shown signs of developing into one to keep your eyes on in the future.

 

 

Clubman of the Year: Paul Brough. Paul Brough was a long standing member of our volunteers at the club. He sadly passed away this year and we felt it appropriate to commemorate his long service to the club. The award was given to the family of Broughy by outgoing Trinity CEO Michael Carter.

 

 

Try of the Year: On to the more anticipated award of the night, Try of the Year. We asked the people present on the night to vote with Liam Kay taking the award for his try against Salford Red Devils at home. Worth noting that Liam tried to donate this award to Tom Lineham and his effort against Warrington.

 

 

Community Spirit of Wakefield: Jay Pitts. This was Pittsy’s first award of the night. Awarded for work done off of the field, Pitts should be seen as a role model by young players and people alike.

Fans Player of the Year: David Fifita. This one was a formality. We asked for your standout player this season and we can’t say we weren’t surprised with the results. Coming in at 3rd place was Liam Kay; Mr Versatlie this year he has been the player which every head coach would love to have around. In 2nd place it was Will Dagger; actually a close second place he has been ice cold from the kicking tee this year. Filling in for Jowitt at full back or partnering Luke Gale in the halves he has been second to none, everyone remembers that golden point drop goal against Wigan. The winner, of course, David Fifita. Answering an SOS call to travel across the world and help with our survival fight while his wife was expecting, Dave has raised the morale of the changing room and was the true embodiment of Wakefield Trinity spirit. He came here already as a hero but he has now left as a legend. Dave couldn’t be with us due to him now being back in Australia, he welcomed his new addition, Ever Rome, who we all were introduced to via a video sent by Fifita.

Players Player of the Year: Matty Ashurst. Club captain Ashurst has been one of the main features of this Trinity squad in 2023. Only missing one game all year, due to a finger injury, he has been a model professional and has been rightfully awarded the chance to celebrate his testimonial year in 2024.

Coaches Player of the Year: Jay Pitts. It’s been a good year for Jay Pitts both off and on the field. Not missing a single game all year he earned high praise from Head Coach Mark Applegarth and we look forward to seeing Pittsy carry on his appearance streak into 2024.

Johnny Thompson Man of Steel: Jay Pitts. The final award of the night was given to Jay Pitts. Pittsy could’ve done with a zipline from his table to the stage as he picked up his third award. His award was presented by former Trinity player and namesake of the trophy, Johnny Thompson.

That was our awards evening for 2023. Obviously, 2023 was a very difficult year for all associated with Wakefield Trinity but we are all determined to bounce right back in 2024.