Cumbrian hooker Shaun Lunt has capped off a memorable season by being named Championship player of the year.

Lunt, from Cockermouth, helped lead Hull KR back to Super League at the first attempt and his own form has also now been recognised.

He beat off competition from team-mate Chris Atkin and Toulouse’s Mark Kheirallah to win the going but remains modest about his achievements.

"It has been a good year but also a very stressful year, after what we went through at the end of last season and the knowledge of what we had to do to get back up," said Lunt.

"But we did it and we are going back up and then to win the award was great."

It was just reward for Lunt, who committed to the Hull KR cause just five days after their relegation at the end of last season, saying he was determined to help them back up.

"Even if we hadn't gone up I love Hull KR and I love the club so I would never have looked at staying as the wrong decision," added the former Workington Town star.

"I already believed I was right in my decision to stay because I wanted to to do the best I could to get them back up to Super League.

"But the hard work starts now. We will have a little break after the season and then go into the hard work of pre season."

Lunt was made captain by Hull KR coach Tim Sheens and he has more than stepped up to the mark.

He said: "I was fortunate enough to be given the captaincy which has been a massive honour and one that I'm grateful for.

"But I have had a great team behind me and probably the best coach to walk the planet for me."

Lunt's recognition in the RL awards proves how much effort the 30-year-old has put in to his own performances.

"I put in a lot of hard work in the pre-season," explained Lunt. "I had to drop a lot of weight because I needed to play more minutes so I cut down considerably and it has paid dividends.

"It has been a long, hard slog and very stressful but I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"Winning the league leaders shield and then going on to be promoted stand out in my mind.

"But it has just been a great season, on and off the pitch, for the club."