JODIE Cunningham capped an incredible season by scooping Player of the Year at the annual Her Rugby League Association dinner.

The 23-year-old, from Warrington, won the women’s league Grand Final with Thatto Heath, captained Lancashire against Yorkshire in the County Origin Series and was named England vice-skipper.

The full back was delighted, and surprised, to collect the prize last Thursday, admitting pulling on the armband for her country realised a life-long ambition.

“I was really chuffed and it was a great end to a great season,” said Cunningham, who scored two tries in a 24-4 win over France in June.

“I didn’t know anything about the awards ceremony until two weeks before and then on the night it was a nice surprise – I didn’t expect it.

“It was nice to be recognised for the hard work after a long year.

“Captaining Lancashire in the game against Yorkshire was a real big deal, as I’ve played in that fixture all the way through the age groups.

“To be England vice-captain at 23 was one of the biggest honours, and at times when the captain was off the field I took that captain’s role.

“So, with being able to captain my country, a lot of things have been ticked off my list this year.”

Cunningham was joined in the England side by fellow former Cardinal Newman Catholic High School teammate Emily Rudge.

“That’s how I got into rugby league in the first place, because the school formed a girls’ team the year I started,” she explained.

“I’d never been interested in it before, but I thought I’d give the sport a go and we ended up being four times national champions.”

Cunningham will return to the field with Thatto Heath in March although there will be little rest for the admin worker, who is studying accountancy at night school and also plays netball.

“I don’t sit down much,” laughed Cunningham, who now has eyes on the World Cup in 2017.

“I’m focusing on trying to train and get fitter for the season as it’s the World Cup in 2017.

“We have a great coach in Chris Chapman and I’m hoping he can take us all the way. In a short space of time I already feel I have learned lots from him.

“That will be a big ask, as many of the Australia and New Zealand woman are semi-professional.

“It will take a lot of fund raising to get there, as there have been a lot of cuts in rugby league this year.”