DARREN Abram could lead Leigh Centurions out for the National League One Grand Final having just been acclaimed the competition's Coach of the Year.

It would be a tremendous achievment for Abram who is in his first senior coaching appointment at this level. This time last year had was coaching Chorley in National League Two.

Abram, who has guided Leigh to success in the Arriva Trains Cup and seen his side lift the League Leaders Trophy, has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award alongside Bobbie Goulding of Rochdale, Steve McCormack of Whitehaven and Featherstone's Gary Price.

Judges this year decided to include four nominees in the category due to the high standard of candidates.

Both Leigh and Whitehaven also contribute personnel to the Player of the Year awards in Tommy Martyn and Sam Obst respectively. Hull KR prop Makali Aizue is also nominated in that category.

Martyn has yet to decide whether to declare himself fit for the final after missing the last six weeks with an arm injury.

The winners, along with National League Teams of the Year, sponsored by 'Rugby League World' magazine, will be announced at a dinner in Leeds next Tuesday.