HE was a complete unknown heading into 2021, but Keighley Cougars teenager Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e has capped off an outstanding breakthrough season by winning League 1's Young Player of the Year award.

He did not make his debut for the club until March, when he played alongside his father, Quentin, in a pre-season friendly against Bradford Bulls at the Tetley's Stadium in Dewsbury.

From there he went from strength to strength, helping himself to some big tries throughout the season, none more so than his 76th minute score on the final day of the regular season at Doncaster to seal a 28-26 victory.

That allowed Keighley to leapfrog the Dons into fourth spot, which guaranteed them an easier play-off path.

Sadly for the Cougars, he will not be with them for much longer.

His superb form, combined with his incredible potential, soon saw Super League clubs sniffing around.

And in August, Hull KR made their move, signing him with immediate effect, on a contract running until the end of 2023.

They loaned him back to Keighley so he could finish the season at Cougar Park, and his presence has been key, with Rhys Lovegrove's side now in the final eliminator, at home to Doncaster this Sunday.

The winners of that will visit Workington in the play-off final next weekend, so hopefully Laulu-Togaga'e can finish his time in West Yorkshire by helping Cougars into the Championship.

It has been a good year for Cougars, and Laulu-Togaga'e was not the only player recognised in the end of season Championship and League 1 awards.

His teammate, centre Charlie Graham, who has bagged a hatful of tries this season, was also up for the League 1 Young Player of the Year award.

The two of them were nominated alongside Workington Town's Brad Holroyd, with all three potentially going to be on the field in the play-off final next Sunday.

Bradford Bulls prospect Ebon Scurr was nominated for the Championship's Young Player of the Year award, but missed out to Oldham's Tyler Dupree.

Oldham were relegated alongside Swinton, but Dupree will not be playing down in League 1, after Widnes snapped him up for 2022.