George Griffin double caps impressive first season with Sheffield Eagles
Sheffield Eagles held their annual awards night recently
George Griffin’s first season with Sheffield Eagles was rewarded with a double at the club’s annual Presentation Evening at Aston Hall Hotel last Friday.
The forward was named Men’s Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates before also being crowned Men’s Player of the Year, following an impressive first campaign after moving from Castleford Tigers.
Griffin reached 300 career appearances towards the back end of the season and has scored 10 tries in 2026, a new career best.
His double was among a host of awards presented as the Eagles celebrated the achievements of players, volunteers and supporters throughout 2026.
Hosted by sports presenter Ross Fiddes, the evening also saw Connor Bower named Supporters’ Player of the Year, with the award dedicated to the memory of much-loved young Eagles supporter Ely Fearnley.
Billy Walkley was named Men’s Shooting Star after scoring 27 tries in 27 appearances, and also claimed the inaugural Try of the Season award for his effort against Oldham RLFC back in March.
Away from the field, Mark Ward was named Club Volunteer of the Year, while Dean Crossland collected Club Personality of the Year for their work with the LDRL team.
Long-serving volunteers Denise Turton and Steve Tyler were also recognised for their years of service to the club. Both will step down from their volunteer roles at the end of the season.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came as former Eagles coach John Kear was inducted into the Sheffield Eagles Roll of Honour.
Kear, who sadly passed away earlier this year, joined Sheffield in 1997 and led the club to its famous 17-8 Challenge Cup Final victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley in 1998. Former captain Paul Broadbent, who played under Kear and captained the Eagles at Wembley, accepted the award on behalf of his family.
The club’s international representatives — Favour Irimagha, Rachel Iliya, Chevelle Clarke, Billy Walkley, Sid Ramsey and Luis Domingos — were also recognised.
For the Women’s team, Eva Green was named Shooting Star, while Liliana Ciaraolo collected Most Improved Player after taking up rugby for the first time this season.
Kayleigh West enjoyed a double success, being named both Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year.
In wheelchair rugby, Aiden Walker was named Shooting Star, with Chris Sharman taking Most Improved Player. Luis Domingos was voted Players’ Player of the Year after finishing the campaign as the team’s leading try scorer with 30 tries.
Andy Clare retained the Wheelchair Reserves Player of the Year award, while Chris Haynes was named Super League Wheelchair Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.
In PDRL, Ben Roebuck retained the Player of the Year award for a second successive season, while the LDRL squad and coaches were all recognised for another successful campaign.