WEST Bowling have been given a 'massive shot in the arm' after seven of its former players have been handed professional prizes.

The magnificent seven have won, or been nominated for, a total of 12 awards for this season.

Winger Kieran Brining was named Bradford Bulls' under-16 player of the year; second row Matthew Storton was Bulls' u19s player of the year and loose forward Elliot Minchella was handed Bulls' coaches and players' player of the year prize.

Meanwhile, winger Ethan Ryan, who has gone on to represent Ireland, was named Bulls' Fans' player of the year and top try scorer and Betfred League One young player of the year

In the top flight, scrum-half Jake Trueman got the nod as Castleford Tigers and Betfred Super League's young player of the year

Former West Bowling players were also represented Down Under, with front-rower Brad Hill, who moved to New South Wales last December, named Albury Thunder's most consistent player.

Second row Elliot Whitehead was highlighted as NRL side Canberra Raiders' coaches' player of the year and nominated for international player of the year.

Ryan Hunkin, 38, West Bowling head coach, says all seven players have not forgotten their roots and often take part in prizegiving events held at the National Conference Division Two club.

He added the players are role models to all of the junior players at the club.

Hunkin, who also works as rugby league development coach at the Bradford Bulls Foundation, said: "It is a massive shot in the arm for West Bowling and a massive honour for them and also for us to be able to promote it and shout about it.

"I don't think this sort of achievement will be matched by any other amateur rugby league club in the UK.

"We get them back at the club quite often. Elliott and Jake have handed out trophies to kids and done training sessions with the West Bowling Nippers. They have put something back into the process that they have been a part of.

"Lots of our players have gone onto Bradford Bulls. There are a few coming up at our club who are doing really, really good things. The target for our youngsters is for them to play rugby league at any level. It is a massive boost if they stay in the game and do something they enjoy.

"We have a strong junior set-up. We are going well at the moment, but could be doing even better. We want to get more kids playing, we have about 290 kids playing for us but we need new facilities.

"It is a lot of hard work, but rewards like this, highlights the dedication of volunteers and creating a good environment for them. It's massive.