From the GT site:

"Gateshead Thunder have congratulated Michael Knowles on his selection for the Co-operative Championship All Star team. Michael is one of the division's top 13 players recognised for his contribution throughout the season. Knowles is Thunder's top scorer in 2010 and the forward has one of the highest points tallies in the competition.

Michael Knowles recently committed future to the club, extending his contract by 2 years and keeping him at Gateshead until the end of the 2011 season. Knowles joined Gateshead Thunder originally on loan in July 2007 from Super League club, Castleford Tigers. His stay was made permanent when Knowles signed a 2 year contract for the 2008 and 2009 Seasons and Knowles played a large part in Thunder's promotion to the Championship in 2008.

In addition to his playing duties, Knowles joins each of the other full time players in carrying out community development and coaching for Thunder's Community Department.

Celebrating his selection, Michael said:

"I am really pleased with this award. It's always nice to be recognised for the effort I put in on the pitch. I was selected for the Championship One award last year when Thunder were promoted. However, I could not have achieved this award without the efforts of the guys around me and I'd like to thank them and the coaching staff for everything this season.

2010 is going to be an even better season and we will be doing all we can to make the Northern Rail Cup Final and Co-operative Championship Grand Final."

Thunder Chief Executive, Rod Findlay, commented:

"I was delighted when I heard that Michael had been selected for the All Stars. He has been consistent all season and took on the kicking duties early in the season. Michael is an important part of the Thunder team but the whole squad deserve congratulations on achieving 7th position in our first season on the Co-operative Championship.

I am sure everyone connected with Gateshead Thunder will be quick to congratulate Michael as he is a popular figure and deserves this accolade."

The All Star squads in full are:

CHAMPIONSHIP

Miles Greenwood - HALIFAX

James Nixon - BARROW

Menze Yere - SHEFFIELD

Liam Harrison - BARROW

Jermaine McGilvray - BATLEY

Brendon Lindsay - SHEFFIELD

Andy Kain - FEATHERSTONE

Kyle Amor - WHITEHAVEN

Andy Ellis - BARROW

Karl Edmondson - WHITEHAVEN

Michael Knowles - GATESHEAD

Richard Fletcher - WIDNES

Zeb Luisi - BARROW



CHAMPIONSHIP 1

Jonny Leather - BARROW

Bryn Powell - DEWSBURY

Kane Epati - DEWSBURY

Casey Mayberry - ROCHDALE

Gavin Duffy - KEIGHLEY

Pat Walker - DEWSBURY

Liam Finn - DEWSBURY

Mark Applegarth - YORK

Richard Chapman - HUNSLET

Scott Law - KEIGHLEY

Andy Bostock - DEWSBURY

Chris Baines - OLDHAM

Adam Hayes - DEWSBURY"