Huddersfield Giants captain and scrum-half Danny Brough has been voted Scotland Rugby League’s Senior Player of the Year.

The 31-year-old led the Bravehearts to glory in the European Championships this autumn.

The Giants star will receive the Dave Valentine Award at the beginning of the Super League season in March, after being considered the best performer during Scotland’s successful season – in which they won their first international crown seeing off Wales, Ireland and France.

Scotland’s management team – including head coach Steve McCormack and assistants Dave Rotherham and John Duffy – chose their top three players with all five opting for Brough, his Giants teammate Joe Wardle and Bradford Bulls Danny Addy, with no other players receiving votes – Brough pushed Addy into second place.

“Danny had a huge impact on the squad from the moment he committed to playing for us and giving up another off-season,” says McCormack, who gave Brough his debut in his very first game as Scotland coach 10 years ago.

“His enthusiasm and determination rubs off on everyone and no-one could question his commitment to Scotland’s cause.

“On top of that, he is a class player.

“He ran the game against Wales, was the difference against Ireland, and got his teammates back on track when things were going wrong against France. That’s what leaders do.”

Brough scored 14 points and was involved in all eight Scotland tries in the 42-18 win over Wales, added another nine points from the boot in Ireland, and laid on the crucial try for Jonathan Walker and kicked the conversion that saw Scotland eliminate France in dramatic circumstances at Gala.

He was voted Player of the Tournament by the Rugby League European Federation and was presented with that award, along with the European Championship trophy, by former British Lions legend Malcolm Reilly at the RFL in Leeds.