Jason Payne named Championship One Player of the Week

Gateshead Thunder skipper Jason Payne has been named as Kingstone Press Championship One Player of the Week.

His coach, Stanley Gene, felt that Payne was superb in his team’s 40-14 win over Oldham at the weekend, a win that guaranteed Thunder’s place in the play-offs.

“Jason’s been good all year, but this week he produced a real captain’s performance. He leads the team, runs hard, tackles hard, and his spirit lifted all the boys,” Gene said.

“He’s done it all year, but against Oldham – a very tough side – it was especially pleasing.

“The first 40 minutes was the best half we’ve had since I’ve been at the club. I told the boys to believe in themselves, and they showed what they’re capable of.”

Kingstone Press Championship One Team of the Week

1 Phil Cowburn (Gloucestershire All Golds)
2 Lee Mapals (Gateshead Thunder)
3 Michael Brown (Hemel Stags)
4 Jonny Morris (Oxford)
5 Callum Mulkeen (Oxford)
6 Tommy Connick (Oxford)
7 Jordan Meads (Gateshead Thunder)
8 Dom Maloney (Hemel Stags)
9 Connor Farrer (South Wales Scorpions)
10 Lee Fewlass (Gateshead Thunder)
11 Stephen Bannister (Hemel Stags)
12 Jason Payne (Gateshead Thunder)
13 Harrison Elliott (South Wales Scorpions)