Last updated at 13:10, Wednesday, 07 March 2012

Rookie Workington Town forward Brett Phillips has capped a storming start to his professional career by being named in the RL World team of the month for February.

Brett Phillips, left and Graeme Mattinson bring down Whitehaven's Dave Houghton

Phillips, who signed for Town last September after some superb performances for Cumberland League outfit Seaton, has broken into the Championship One side. And he earned rave reviews in his three appearances in the Northern Rail Cup.

Coach Gary Charlton was delighted for Phillips, who he believes is going to be a great asset to the club.

“It is great news for Brett, we all knew he had a lot of potential but he has gone out there and played to such a high standard every time,” said Charlton. “I am really pleased for him that he has been put in this time. The transition from amateur to semi-professional rugby league is a big one but Brett has just stepped right up and glided through it, as have Daniel Rooney and Jonathan Dawes.

“Everyone at the club knew these lads had the ability, it was going out there and doing it.

“But they have reached such a high standard already, it is great to see.”

It is an even bigger honour for Phillips, as he was competing against players from both Championship divisions to earn the honour. There were only two players from Championship One clubs included, with Barrow’s Dan Toal accompanying Phillips.

Northern Rail Team of Month: Danny Ratcliffe (Hunslet), Paul White (Halifax), Matt Parata (Keighley), Tangi Ropati (Featherstone), Gareth Potts (Batley), Ben Black (Batley), Dominic Brambani (Sheffield), Jack Howieson (Sheffield), Anthony Nicholson (Leigh), Paul King (York), Dane Manning (Halifax), Brett Phillips (Workington), Dan Toal (Barrow).

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk