Ellis and Oakes named Kingstone Press Players of the Week

Featherstone Rovers hooker Andy Ellis and Hunslet Hawks second row John Oakes are the Kingstone Press Players of the Week.

Ellis was dominant in Featherstone’s 32-26 win against Batley Bulldogs, while Oakes produced a tireless display in Hunslet’s 31-12 triumph over Oxford.

Every week each coach in both Kingstone Press Championship competitions is contacted to help produce the awards.

Kingstone Press Championship Player of the Week – Andy Ellis (Featherstone Rovers)

Featherstone Rovers hooker Andy Ellis earned praise from both coaches for his performance in the 32-26 win at Batley Bulldogs.

Ellis played virtually the entire game and was immersed in the action throughout.

Batley coach John Kear described his display as “outstanding”, while his own coach Andy Hay was also fulsome in his praise for the former Wakefield player.

Hay said: “Andy Ellis was excellent – he had to play almost 80 minutes due to and injury and was the stand out player.

“He was fantastic in defence, and in attack he was a constant threat and made a number of very good breaks.”

Kingstone Press Championship One Player of the Week – John Oakes (Hunslet Hawks)

Hunslet Hawks second-row John Oakes produced another industrious 80-minute performance to help his side earn a 32-12 victory over Oxford.

The Hawks trailed 12-6 at half time, but Oakes’ contribution was key according to Hunslet coach Barry Eaton.

Eaton said: “John’s been our most consistent player in the last month and he was excellent again against Oxford.

“He’s always been a very strong carrier of the ball, and he’s got some whack in defence too, but he’s now putting it all together and repeating it consistently.

“He’s doing 80 minutes every week, which shows his fitness levels are high, and he was very calm and assured even when we were trailing. He didn’t make any errors, and it’s great to have guys like him in your team.”