JOSH Griffin admits he was stunned to make the shortlist for the Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

The rugby league star capped a fine season by helping Hull FC beat Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

It saw him named alongside Abingdon golfer Eddie Pepperell and Oxford-born goalkeeper Luke Southwood for top honours at Friday’s ceremony at the Kassam Stadium.

Griffin grew up in west Oxfordshire before heading north, but says he will never forget his roots.

“I’m very proud and it’s a great honour to be nominated,” he said.

“Living up in Leeds it’s not something I was expecting. But I’m just happy to be up there in amongst it.

“I’ve got family who live in Oxford and it’s where I was born. It’s somewhere I’ve always been proud of.”

Southwood is on the books at Reading and was England’s back-up goalkeeper as they lifted the Under 20 World Cup.

The 20-year-old said: “I’m delighted. Thanks to everyone who helped me achieve this.”

Pepperell made the top-three following a stunning second half to 2017 on the European Tour.

He recorded seven top-ten finishes in eight events and finished tied for 16th at the US Open.

But Pepperell is expecting a tough battle on his hands if he is to win the award.

He said: “It’s great, obviously it’s nice to be recognised.

“But I’ve looked at the nomination list and if it were me I would give it to the goalkeeper, because he’s won a World Cup.

“But if people are recognising me then great.

“It means there has been a little more of an impact locally in terms of the sport, which is good for me and for golf.”

Pepperell starts a new season in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship tomorrow, meaning he is unable to attend the awards.

The World No 131 is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and sees no sense in altering anything from 2017, where his string of fine finishes provides much hope for a first title.

He said: “From June to the end of the year it was really good stuff and I think I would be a fool to do anything differently.

“I’m a little bit aware of the general sentiment or expectation of me.

“But I’m self absorbed and selfish enough to not let things like that affect me.

“Hopefully it will be another good year for me.”