Lynch pins down Castleford Tigers awards double

Lynch was named player of the year and also collected the players’ player prize during the club’s presentation evening at Leeds United’s Elland Road.

“It has come as a surprise really to win the players’ player of the year,” Lynch said.

“There have been a few stand out players this year, but it’s nice to get votes from your fellow players.

“These awards are a great honour, but it’s not just about me, it’s about the boys around me.

“As players we are always looking to get better and improve.”

Grant Millington was player of the year runner-up and won the directors’ award.

He said: “It’s always good to be recognised like this, but straight up next year we want to be in that top four.

“We’ve got to be a bit more consistent and win those close games that we’ve missed out on this year.

“We’ll keep battling away now, though, for these last two games of the season.”

Luke Gale took home the fans’ player of the year award and was third in the player of the year selection.

“It’s good to get the accolade from our fans and thank you to the fans for voting for me,” he said.

“Things are really looking up, the future is bright. To be up there getting awards is great, the team have been fantastic.”

The young player prize went to Mark McMeeken, who joined Tigers last autumn from London Broncos.

“It’s a really good feeling to win,” he said. “I really didn’t expect it. I’ve absolutely loved it here since day one, the coaching staff and this group of lads are just outstanding.”

Under-19s award winners were: Shooting Star - Declan Sheehan, most improved player - Brandon Douglas, coaches’ player - Will Maher and Tom Holmes (joint winners), player of the year - Brandon Moore.