Leeds Rhinos duo and Wakefield Trinity star vying for place on Man of Steel shortlist

A press release issued earlier today (Sunday) caused confusion when it suggested a “Man of Steel 10-player shortlist” had been drawn up. However, the governing body have now explained those 10 names are in fact a longlist, based on performances in Betfred Super League rounds 19-27, which will be whittled down to five this week.

Similar shortlists from rounds one-nine and 10-18 were announced earlier in the season. The final three nominees will be selected from those and announced in the next few days, with the winner set to be revealed at the sport’s awards night in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29.

The Man of Steel will be chosen by a panel comprising former winners Ellery Hanley, Paul Sculthorpe, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon. Players in contention for a place on the third shortlist include Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor, his half-back partner Brodie Croft and Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele.

Also in the reckoning are Wigan Warriors’ Adam Keighran, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Brad O’Neill and Jai Field and the Leigh Leopards duo of Joe Ofahengaue and Umyla Hanley.