MIKEY LEWIS is in contention to retain the Man of Steel award after being named on a three-player shortlist.

The Hull KR halfback faces competition from Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor and Jai Field of Wigan Warriors.

Lewis would become only the fourth player to win the prestigious prize twice in its 49-year history, and just the second to claim it in successive years, after Paul Sculthorpe in 2001 and 2002.

The 24-year-old played a key role in the Robins lifting the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time, and also kicked the winning goal in their Challenge Cup final success in June.

Lewis has the most direct try involvements of any Super League player this season, scoring 19 tries and assisting a further 28.

Connor, 20, has enjoyed an exceptional first season at Leeds, leading the side to a first top-four finish in eight years from halfback, providing 30 try assists.

And 28-year-old Australian fullback Field completes the shortlist after a campaign which included 24 tries and 21 assists for second-placed Wigan.

There is no space on the shortlist for Lachlan Lam, despite the Leigh Leopards halfback winning both the League Express Albert Goldthorpe Medal and the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association’s Player of the Year.

The Man of Steel winner – determined by points received from an expert panel to the top performers in each Super League regular-season match – will be revealed at the Rugby League Awards on Tuesday, October 7.

Huddersfield Giants fullback George Flanagan, top try-scorer Lewis Martin of Hull FC and St Helens centre Harry Robertson have been nominated for Young Player of the Year alongside last year’s winner, Junior Nsemba from Wigan Warriors.

Nominees for Super League Coach of the Year will be revealed tomorrow (Thursday).