'The best year of my life so far' - Crowl's rise to BWSL star

Anyone who watched Chantelle Crowl in action during last year's Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final would not have been surprised to see the prop claim the player of the match accolade for her role in St Helens' win over Leeds Rhinos.

Her hard-running, intelligent play and deft offloading ability played a big role in laying the foundations for Saints' 28-0 victory at Headingley on a crisp October afternoon which in turn saw them complete the treble, having already secured the Women's Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield.

It may therefore come as a surprise to hear Crowl candidly admit she occasionally finds herself wracked by moments of self-doubt, but the England international has overcome those to enjoy a truly memorable year which included earning much-deserved individual as well as team recognition.

"It's probably been the best year of my life so far," Crowl told Sky Sports, reflecting on the 2021 campaign. "Getting the treble win and Grand Final player of the match was a big highlight of the season.

"We aimed to get at least one trophy behind us, but we wanted to win all three and to come away with the success was just phenomenal.

"I'm growing, I'm doing the right things and I know everyone doubts themselves, but I find personally sometimes I doubt myself, my game and overthink.

"Then when you get the success from it, you know you're going in the right direction and getting that Grand Final player of the match means a lot to me, that people are noticing. It means I'm going in the right direction as well as the other girls."

Crowl has been a mainstay of the Women's Super League since the competition's inaugural season in 2017, representing Thatto Heath and then joining Saints when the town's professional