Forwards monopolise Gallagher PREM Player of the Month nominations

New England A squad member Max Hicks is on the Gallagher PREM’s four-man shortlist for the Player of the Month award for October.

Hicks, 27, moved over to England from Perpignan in the summer and has already caught the eye with his performances across the first five rounds.

The Kiwi-born loose forward has made a real nuisance of himself in defence, pulling off the second-most jackals in the first five rounds (four), as well as stealing three opposition lineout throws, on top of carrying hard when in possession of the ball.

However, Hicks, who has been named in the England A squad ahead of Friday night’s match against Argentina XV at Bath, is in good company.

Fans of PREM Rugby will have their work cut out choosing between Hicks and three other forwards – Gloucester back-rower Jac Morgan, Leicester leader Ollie Chessum and Northampton lock Alex Coles.

The ever-modest Morgan produced one of the best individual displays in recent times in the derby against Bath a fortnight ago, inspiring his new club to a 23-5 win.

His appetite for work knows no bounds, with the Wales captain making 80 tackles so far this season. Morgan tops the post-contact metre stats and is right up there amongst the best jackalers in the league.

Equally inspirational, Chessum put in a totemic performance in the fire and brimstone of the East Midlands derby in round four, the England international helping Leicester to turn things around against their nearest and dearest, for whom Coles has been equally outstanding.

Leicester and Northampton claimed five of the Player of the Month awards between them last season. Billy Searle (January) and Will Wand (March and May) did so for Leicester, while Edoardo Todaro (October) and Fin Smith (April) ensured the champions also had a presence.

Bristol’s Ellis Genge (December) was the only recipient outside of those two clubs. No awards were handed out during the November and February Cup windows.

To cast your vote for the Gallagher PREM Player of the Month (October), click here.