ONE of the brightest-ever rugby league prospects has achieved national acclaim by winning the game's most prestigious youth award.

Rob Worrincy won the 2003 British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) Youth Player of the Year Award after making outstanding progress in a young career which looks destined for national and international stardom.

Worrincy, who is a product of the local development work of the South East London Service Area, came to prominence last year by earning international recognition with outstanding performances for the Great Britain Young Lions against the Australian Schoolboys, the Kiwis and the French.

He is contracted to professional side, the London Broncos, but is currently on loan at rugby league heartland club, the Castleford Tigers, along with another local talented youngster, Alex Rowe.

Worrincy follows in the footsteps of some great names of rugby league such as Andy Gregory and Deryck Fox, both previous winners of the BARLA Young Player of the Year Award.

Jason Henley, south-east London rugby league development officer and head coach of top amateur club the Greenwich Admirals, said: "What a tremendous boost for the game in London. It really puts to bed the myth that rugby league is just a northern game.

"Rugby league is now well-established in London as is proven by the fact that so many extremely talented young lads are coming through.

"Rob provides a great role-model for all the young kids who aspire to be rugby league players, as does Alex Rowe and I wish them both well as they work hard to earn professional contracts.

"They are part of a crop of extremely talented youngsters, who are coming through in south-east London at the moment and I am sure these lads will all go on to make their marks in the game."

Great Britain Young Lions manager Joe Elliott was full of praise for Worrincy. He said: "Rob thoroughly deserves this prestigious award. His commitment and performances for the Young Lions over the last couple of years have been fantastic."

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Rob Worrincy and Alex Rowe, or if your school would be interested in having a fully-trained rugby league development officer teach the great game of rugby league, then contact Jason Henley at Jason.Henley@rfl.uk.com or on 07798 654017.