mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
New England Squad member Max Hicks is on Gallagher PREM’s four-man shortlist for October’s Player of the Month award.
Hicks, 27, moved to England Perpignan in the summer and has already caught the eye with his performances in the first five rounds.
The Kiwi-born loose forward has been a real nuisance in defence, picking up the second-most sacks in the first five rounds (four) as well as stealing three disposals from the opposition lineout, in addition to struggling to keep possession.
However, Hicks, who was appointed to England A team ahead of Friday night’s game against Argentina XV in Bath, is in good company.
PREM Rugby fans will have their work cut out for them choosing between Hicks and three other forwards – Gloucester back rower Jac Morgan, Leicester leader Ollie Chessum and Northampton lock Alex Coles.
The always modest Morgan showed one of the best individual games in recent times in the derby against him Bath two weeks ago, inspiring his new club to a 23-5 victory.
His appetite for work knows no bounds, with Wales the captain has made 80 appearances so far this season. Morgan tops the stats in post-contact yardage and is up there with the best rushers in the league.
Equally inspiring, Chessum put in a totemic performance in the East Midlands derby in the fourth round, the England international helping Leicester turn things around against their nearest and dearest, for whom Coles was equally outstanding.
Leicester and Northampton won five Player of the Month awards last season. Billy Searle (January) and Will Wand (March and May) did it for Leicester, while Edoardo Todaro (October) and Fin Smith (April) ensured the champions’ presence.
Bristol Ellis Genge (December) was the only winner outside of those two clubs. No prizes were awarded during the November and February Cup.
To cast your vote for Gallagher PREM Player of the Month (October), click here.
