BARROW Raiders half-back Jamie Dallimore said he did not expect to be nominated for this year’s Betfred League 1 Player of the Year.

The Awards Show was streamed live via Our League yesterday evening and Dallimore is up for the League 1 Player of the Year award alongside teammate and winger Tee Ritson.

“I didn’t expect it, if I’m honest,” said Dallimore.

“I think there’s probably been players in our team that’s stood out more than me that may go unnoticed, the likes of your Carl Forsters and Jarrad Stacks and the work they’ve put it.

“It’ll be interesting. I’m a bit shocked with it. I’ve not come to terms with it because personally I don’t believe I should be in it so either I’m being too harsh with myself or my expectations are far higher but I’ll take it and hopefully tomorrow as long as it comes back to Barrow I’ll be happy.”

Ritson finished the season as the joint-top try scorer with 22 tries in 2021, and broke club records as the winger became the first player to score seven tries in a single game for the Raiders.

“Tee Ritson has been a stand out this year,” said Dallimore.

“A lot of wingers in rugby league just get the put-me-downs and get a good centre and get to finish in the corner. Tee’s tries, he doesn’t score put-me-downs. They’re all 50 or 60 metres plus and if he does score from closer he has to beat a few to do it.

“He’s quality, he’s lightning and he’s a good lad as well and I’d like him to pick up both awards really. The season he’s had, he’s merited both awards. He’s been that good.”

Paul Crarey’s side lifted the League 1 League Leaders’ Shield earlier this month, winning promotion back to the Betfred Championship for the 2022 season, having lost just three games all campaign.

“Next year is going to be tough,” said Dallimore.

“We’re going to be playing opposition where we have to be on it each week but I think that will benefit us as a club and fans as you’ll be getting good rugby and it’s going to be very competitive."