The young centre scored 18 of Rochdale’s 38 points in what was a nail biting encounter in the last 16 of the Northern Rail Cup.

Despite driving snow at Rochdale’s Spotland Stadium, Sneyd was on the score sheet as early as the third minute having crossed the whitewash with a simple try, set up by his captain Jimmy Elston.

However, what was most impressive about Sneyd’s performance was his exemplary goal kicking. Faced with conditions more suited to building snowmen then playing summer rugby, Sneyd finished the game with seven goals and a one hundred per cent kicking record – a superb achievement considering the conditions.

Bobbie Goulding, the Rochdale Hornets coach, said: “Since Carl joined the first team he’s been absolutely superb and thoroughly deserves this award after Sunday’s performance. He’s a credit to himself and his family.

“At the start of the year I was looking for a new full-back and a goal kicker. I saw Carl for just half a game in the Academy and that was enough, he could do both. Since he’s joined the first team he’s been superb and on Sunday he even played in the centre.”

A product of the Waterhead club, 20 year old Sneyd recently signed a new contract which keeps him at Spotland until 2009, despite only making his debut against Oldham earlier this season.

Goulding added: “Since I joined Rochdale I’ve been trying to build a new side featuring a lot of youth. A few clubs have been sniffing round Carl since he joined the first team which is a credit to his recent performances. However, I’m pleased to say he’s signed a new deal to keep him with the Hornets.”

The award is provided by the competition’s main partner Northern Rail who will continue to recognise the round’s outstanding player throughout the season.

Carl Sneyd wins a specially engraved Northern Rail Cup ‘Player of the Round’ Trophy and will be presented with it at a Rochdale Hornets fixture at a later date. Source : TheRFL.co.uk