Zak Hardaker
Stevie Ward
Kallum Watkins

Tough call this year but i'd go for Hardaker.

2011 - Ben Jones-Bishop
2010 - Chris Clarkson
2009 - Ryan Hall
2008 - Luke Burgess
2007 - Jordon Tansey
2006 - Nick Scruton
2005 - Lee Smith
2004 - Richie Mathers
2003 - Danny McGuire
2002 - Mark Calderwood
2001 - Rob Burrow
2000 - ???
1999 - ???
1998 - Marcus St.Hilaire

How does it work? Age? Games played? Would Watkins still qualify for this award?

It's got to be Hardaker either way. Or the new look Ian Kirke

[url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/who-s-the-young-leeds-rhinos-star-of-2012-1-4866860YEP Shooting Star[/url

Zak for me since his transition to FB.

Hardaker for me.

Unless it's changed slighty the criteria was,
- players who were aged 24 or under at the start of the season
- hadn't yet played international rugby (not sure this one still applies)
- not won the award previously, hence why no repeat winners in that list

Watkins does still qualify, in fact i think he's now been nominated every year since 2008 without winning. Matt Diskin, Carl Ablett, JJB, Ryan Bailey, Chev Walker, Danny Ward are the most recognisable first teamers nominated over the years not to have won it.

As for 1999 and 2000 i'm not sure but looking at the squad lists for those years it was probably Kevin Sinfield, Leroy Rivett or Karl Pratt.

Hardaker.

I'd say Watkins. Hardaker has impressed in parts, but Watkins has been more consistent, when fit

All 3 would be worthy winners.
Hardaker for me though....hopefully at Headingley for many years to come

Watkins has been immense all year IMO (defensive lapses on saturday apart).
Wouldn't complain if Hardaker got it but Watkins for me.

Not even close, Hardaker by a street.

When Watkins starts being able to string a dozen games together without falling apart then he'll be one of the best players in his position in the competition. IMO Hardaker already is.

Hardaker gets it for me. Even when Watkins is fit there are a lot of games (like the CC final) when he doesn't get as involved as Zak. I think this is a team problem as much as anything, but I'd like to see Watkins go looking for work a bit more. Unless he's being wrapped up in cotton wool for fear of another injury?

Don't forget that before Zak moved to fullback, he wasn't playing as well as he is now (no fault of his own IMO). He did however go on and score a lot of tries even whilst looking very green at centre.

Hardaker will win it without a doubt IMO and it will be fully deserved too

It seems strange to have Kallum still elligible for this award as he's been in and around the first team for years now, although he has been blighted by injuries thus far each season