Wellens Lifts Man of Steel Award

The 26-year-old who was instrumental in Saints lifting both the Powergen Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield was also named players’ player of the year and was selected at full-back in the Super League dream team.

Wellens said that he had produced the best form of his career so far this season, and gave the credit to Saints boss Daniel Anderson, who took the reigns at Knowsley Road in mid-season last year.

"I've been pretty happy with my form over the last couple of years but I think I've added a bit more to my game this year," he said.

"Working with Daniel day in, day out on certain little aspects has really improved me and I'm really enjoying my rugby at the moment."

Anderson himself was named coach of the year, beating off stiff competition from fellow nominees Brian Noble and Karl Harrison.

And the young player of the year award went to Wellens’ team mate James Graham after an outstanding season for the Saints, including two tries against New Zealand in his Great Britain debut.

Meanwhile, Castleford Tigers captain Danny Nutlkey became the first ever player to lift both the ‘metre-maker’ and ‘hit-man’ awards together, making a total of 3,372 metres and 1,001 tackles.

Finally, Richard Silverwood of Mirfield was named Powergen referee of the year.