A rising star at Huddersfield Giants Women, Amelia Brown, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Betfred Women’s Super League Young Player of the Year.
Amelia, 18, a pacy winger, first joined the Giants back in 2021 and she’s since become part of the England Knights Performance Squad meaning she has a paid part-time contract.
Amelia, who comes from Halifax, was chosen as the Giants’ Woman of Steel but to make the shortlist of three for the league award is a huge achievement.
The Giants finished bottom of the table having won just one game – their first ever win in Super league – but Amelia was a stand-out performer claiming 11 league tries, 17 including friendly matches and cup games.
James Westerby, head of women and girls’ rugby at the Giants, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and while Amelia has the talent and is blessed with real pace she also has the right attitude to succeed.
“The top three teams – York Valkyrie, St Helens and Leeds – dominate Super League and players from those clubs tend to be the ones shortlisted and probably rightly so. But that means Amelia has done really well to be recognised.”
Images by: Steve Biltcliffe Photography
The Giants Women pulled off a stunning 20-16 win at Leeds Rhinos in August with Amelia scoring a hat-trick.
Amelia has been shortlisted alongside Caitlin Casey, of Leeds Rhinos, and Emma Kershaw of York Valkyrie. The winner will be announced at an awards event at Old Trafford on Tuesday October 10.
Amelia said: “I was really surprised when I was told that I had been nominated for the award. It’s been a tough year but I feel it’s been one of the best for me.
“It’s a great feeling to win an award at club level but even to be nominated for the Super League award is just amazing. There are so many talented young players I’m really proud to have been recognised.
“As a team we have really gelled together this year. We have had some really positive moments and have some talented players. No team enjoys losing but we learn from that and take positives from each game to the next.”
Giants Women are run under the auspices of the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust but there are big changes planned ahead of next season and an announcement is due shortly.
James, who works alongside head coach Lori Halloran, said: “We are not here to tread water and we want to win matches and compete.
“We have come a long way in a short period and it’s time to move forward.”
