By Helen Thompson

Last updated 15:25, Friday, 21 November 2008

ENGLAND prop forward Amanda Donaldson is now officially one of the best female rugby league players in the world.

Amanda Donaldson

The 18-year-old, from Cleator Moor, is celebrating after being named in the top 17 in the world, following on from her starring performances for England.

Donaldson has caught the eye in the recent women’s World Cup in Australia and was selected at number 10 in the elite squad, named at the end of the tournament.

Three England players received the honour and Donaldson’s Copeland Wildcats coach Neil Gregg said she was fully deserving of the honour.

Gregg said: “It is a massive achievement. In terms of the women’s game, the World Cup is the pinnacle and to be selected as one of the best 17 players in the competition is really great.

“A panel was there at the end of the competition to select a world XVII from all eight nations that competed in the World Cup.

“England has three players in and Amanda was selected at prop, it is just superb for her.”

Gregg went on to praise Donaldson’s performances in the World Cup as a whole, after she won two player of the match awards, against Russia in the opening game and in the semi-final defeat at the hands of New Zealand.

He added: “She has been outstanding in the whole competition. She is relatively small for a prop forward but her work rate is so high its unbelievable.

“She doesn’t stop going, she was knocked around a lot but she just picks herself up and she is off again.

“In the New Zealand semi-final she made 40 tackles, 18 hit-ups and she was there supporting the ball as well.”

Donaldson and fellow West Cumbrian Claire Hall helped lead England to third-place in the tournament with a smooth 28-0 win over Pacific Islands.

And they are now due home this week to celebrate their success with their families.

There will be plenty of joy in the Donaldson household as Amanda’s brother James also hit the headlines this week.

The 16-year-old has been named in Bradford Bulls first team for the 2009 Super League season.

Coach Steve McNamara has included him and fellow full-time youngster Andy Tate in the 31-strong squad – an indication of how highly they are rated.

Donaldson will take number 30 and Bradford are delighted with his progress, after starting back in pre-season training on November 5.

Spokesman, Stuart Duffy, said: “He will be with the squad throughout the season and him getting a squad number is a reflection of how highly he is rated here.

“We have every confidence in James and Andy that if we had to play them at the higher level they would be able to do it.”

James is delighted to have been put into the first team squad, saying: “It is such a good feeling to be named with the top players in the club.

“Steve Menzies just arrived and I met him and he is just a legend in rugby league.

“I am just training with them all the time now and involved in everything, its great.”

But he is cautious about his chances this season, adding: “I just need to keep playing the best I can and training hard and the chances might come eventually, when I’m ready.”