Bevan French wins the first ever Rob Burrow CBE award after Grand Final victory

Photo-Martin Ricket/PA Wire

Geoff Burrow, Rob’s father, presented French with the man of the match trophy after he won 25 of the 31 votes in the deciding poll. Rob Burrow CBE died just a few months ago after his public battle with motor neurone disease.

Speaking on the Super league website Rhodri Jones the managing director of Rugby League Commercial stated:  “It is an honour to introduce the Rob Burrow Award for the outstanding performer in the Super League Grand Final. Rob has transcended Rugby League, both with the skill, speed and courage he showed on the field.” 

Bevan French showed his skill as he scored the only try of the game, evading man of steel winner Mikey Lewis in the process.

The try was similar to the try that Burrow scored in 2011 against St Helen’s. Both tries showcased individual skill with the pair evading their markers in similar fashion and running the ball over the try line.

Nathan Cleary, the star of the NRL outfit Penrith Panthers had high praise for the Wigan man at half time. Speaking to Sky Sports he said: “Bevan French is a freak, he broke the game open and every time he gets the ball he looks very dangerous.” 

It explains why French received such a large amount of votes on Saturday for the award. The deciding committee showed us with their votes that they thought he was therefore the prime choice to be the first to receive the Rob Burrow CBE award.

The award cements Burrow’s legacy within the sport as his name is going to be linked with the best performers in the game starting with French.