JORDAN Lilley has expressed his delight at being named the Telegraph & Argus Bulls player of the year.

Chosen by the fans, the half-back scooped nearly half of the votes cast to comfortably win the accolade. Jake Webster was a distant second with skipper Steve Crossley coming third.

“It’s brilliant to be recognised like that,” said Lilley. “It’s a real special thing for myself.

“I’ve gone out there this year and tried to give it my all for 20-odd games. It’s obviously paid off if the fans appreciate what I’ve done.”

Lilley joined the Bulls on a permanent basis on a two-year deal in May after a second successful loan spell from Leeds Rhinos.

He made 27 appearances over the season for John Kear’s men – and played a key role in the shock Challenge Cup sixth-round win over his former club at Odsal.

Lilley added: “It was about coming and getting some game time when I went on loan and then I ended up signing.

“John has had some really good faith in me and put me in there. He has given me the chance and with game time comes consistency.

“I still haven’t been perfect this year but I’ve given 110 per cent every time I’ve been out on that field, whether I've had a quiet game or a really good one.

"I'm really pleased overall in this year and the group have been really special. It's probably the tightest bunch I've ever known.

"You can see that when we're on the field together having gone through the adversity we have.

"There are things I need to improve on over the off-season. But I'm happy with how it's gone."