Our very own Madeleine Hegarty has received a special commendations as part of the Foxy Bingo Ladies of League selection process after Lizzie Jones was named as the winner.
The competition received over 300 entrants in 2015, and over 6000 votes were cast for top ten outstanding ladies. The Super League panel of judges carefully reviewed each candidate, awarding special commendations to Jean Palin of Bury Broncos and Madeleine Hegarty of North Leeds Leopards.
Jess March, wife of head coach Paul March at Keighley Cougars, was one of many to nominate Lizzie for the award saying "Lizzie's positivity is an inspiration and has been the glue that has bound the rugby league family together at a time of such sadness, she needs to be recognised for just how amazing she is!". Lizzie is a dedicated mother to her 8 month old twins, and following Danny's death has successfully campaigned to have cardiac screening made compulsory across all professional and semi-professional tiers of rugby league teams, a rule that will come into practice ahead of the 2016 season.
When presented with the trophy by the team at Cougar Park, Lizzie added "It's great that ladies are being recognised within Rugby League, I have no doubt that rugby league would not function as well as it does without the women!"
Our four runners up Madeleine Hegarty, Jean Palin, Vicky Barr Smith, Elsie Jarvis were highly commended by the judges for their commitment to the sport and their clubs. The finalists celebrate the end of the competition at the Man of Steel awards in October, alongside the stars of the Super League. Lizzie receives £1000 holiday vouchers, £1000 donation from Foxy Bingo to put towards a community project of her choice.