Saints’ England forward James Graham has been named the Rugby League Writers' Association's Player of the Year for 2008.
The 22-year-old prop forward, who was the engage Super League's young player of the year in 2006, has come of age this year with a string of impressive performances for his club, particularly in the absence through injury of regular front rowers Jason Cayless and Nick Fozzard.
Graham beat off competition from two of his St Helens team-mates, Leon Pryce and Keiron Cunningham to win the poll, with Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow also in contention and Catalans duo Clint Greenshields and Thomas Bosc gaining votes to reflect the progress of the French club.
"It's fantastic news for James," said Daniel Anderson. "I think it's been a break-out season for the young front rower. He's 23 on Wednesday and for a 22-year-old to do what he's done this year is exceptional. He's been tremendous for us.
"He's always been a fairly strong character with the capability of being a leader and he's shown that this year."
Graham is the 13th winner of the RLWA award, which was first presented in 1996.
Previous winners (in reverse order) have been: Trent Barrett (Wigan), Paul Wellens (St Helens), Jamie Lyon (St Helens), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Jamie Peacock (Bradford), Adrian Lam (Wigan), Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens), Tommy Martyn (St Helens), Iestyn Harris (Leeds, twice), Andy Farrell (Wigan) and Apollo Perelini (St Helens).
Graham will receive his award at the RLWA annual dinner and presentation evening in Haydock next Monday.
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