Chris Birchall -Scotlands player of
the year

Halifax RLFC prop forward Chris Birchall has been named Scotland?s Rugby League player of the year.

Birchall, 23, was rewarded for his performances against Wales and Ireland in the European Nations Tournament with the Dave Valentine Award, named after the captain of the first Great Britain side to win the Rugby League World Cup in 1954.

Birchall was clearly delighted and surprised to receive the award:- ?It was my first taste of international football playing for Scotland and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

"I thought I went OK but must have done something right to win this award. This and the Infirmary Cup win on Monday is hopefully a sign of more trophies and awards coming the way of the club this season.?

Birchall is pictured receiving the Dave Valentine Award from Ian Valentine, the son of Dave Valentine.