LIZZIE Jones, widow to the late Cougars player Danny Jones, has been crowned the second winner of the annual Foxy Bingo Ladies of the League community programme prize.

The national campaign identifies the unsung heroes of rugby league, recognising ladies that go the extra mile for their club and community, with Lizzie one of over 300 entrants nominated for the award.

She was presented with the award when she was surprised by friends, family and some of Danny’s team-mates during a training session at Cougar Park ahead of Sunday’s defeat to Oldham in the League One Promotion Final.

Cougars’ kit technician Amanda Cox made the ten-woman shortlist but narrowly missed out on one of the five finalist places.

Since the death of Danny in May’s abandoned away fixture at the London Skolars, Lizzie has successfully campaigned to have cardiac screening made compulsory in the Championship and League One competitions as well as singing Abide with Me at Wembley ahead of last month’s Challenge Cup Final.

Lizzie said of her award: “I think people forget that it is the women that put up with what we have to put up with, especially with rugby players.

“We come week in, week out to games, supporting husbands, boyfriends and sons and I think that it’s so important that people realise that rugby wouldn’t be what it is without the women supporting the men.

“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!"

Lizzie was nominated for the award by Jess March, wife of Cougars’ player-coach Paul March.

Jess said: “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!”

As well as her trophy, Lizzie receives £1000 holiday vouchers and a £1000 donation from competition sponsors Foxy Bingo to put towards a community project of her choice.

Along with the four other finalists, she is invited to the prestigious Man of Steel awards in October, alongside the stars of the Super League.