Here are five players that we at rugby-league.com, think could be in the running for this year’s Steve Prescott Man of Steel Awards, which take place on October 3.
Albert Kelly – Hull FC
Making the brave move from cross-city rivals Hull KR, Albert Kelly has rapidly become a fans favourite at the KCOM Stadium following a string of impressive performances.
The half-back was in sensational try-scoring form at the start of the season with six in eight appearances, with his pace and agility causing so many problems for Super League defences.
The Australian has continued to be a key presence in Hull’s side and played a pivotal part of their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Leeds Rhinos, with a try and several assists, alongside another strong showing at Wembley.
Luke Gale – Castleford Tigers
Every successful team has a key playmaker running the show and creating chances, and Luke Gale has again been that man at Castleford this year.
With the ability to produce pin-point kicks and high-accuracy passes, Gale has 20 Super League try assists to his name in 2017, as well as 13 tries and has undoubtedly been one of the key cogs in the Tigers’ sensational campaign.
After an emergency operation to remove his appendix, the half-back has missed the final weeks of the Super 8s season but will hope he can be back for the semi-finals.
Zak Hardaker – Castleford Tigers
Another huge part of Castleford’s amazing season, full-back Zak Hardaker has settled right in at The Jungle, popping up with dazzling tries and bucket-loads of assists this campaign.
With a frightening turn of pace, Hardaker has been involved in some part of most of the Tigers most emphatic tries this season, including brilliant solo breaks against Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons.
Already a Man of Steel winner in 2015, Hardaker says he feels he’s a better player this season and going on his performances, it’s hard to argue. Could he join an elite list of just three players that have won multiple Man of Steel awards?
Ben Murdoch-Masila – Salford Red Devils
Creeping under the radar this season has been Salford’s man-mountain Ben Murdoch-Masila, who has had a huge influence in one of their most memorable seasons in recent years.
After missing the start of the season with a knee-injury, the back-rower made an instant impact on his return, with ten tries in nine appearances.
One of the biggest units in the competition, the Tongan has handed out plenty of big hits this season too. Could BMM be Salford’s first Man of Steel winner?
Matt Parcell – Leeds Rhinos
By far Leeds’ best signing of the season and one of the best captures in the competition, Matt Parcell has helped to turn the Rhinos fortunes around after a disastrous 2016 campaign.
The Headingley side have been without a top-level hooker since the departure Paul Aiton, and after the James Segeyaro saga last winter, they seem to have finally solved the problem with the former Manly player working wonders.
The 24-year-old has been key both in defence and attack for Leeds, contributing with 17 tries and 14 assists and making almost 1,000 tackles.
The official three-man shortlist for the 2017 Steve Prescott Man of Steel will be confirmed this Friday.