TWO more Leeds Rhinos stars have been propelled into Man of Steel contention by coming out on top in the latest ranking of Super League’s top performers by a panel of experts.
Reigning holder Jake Connor and club team-mate Ash Handley couldn’t be separated across rounds ten to 18 of the season, according to former winners Ellery Hanley, Joe Lydon, Paul Sculthorpe, James Roby and Sam Tomkins.
As part of a new process this year, the quintet are meeting after rounds nine, 18 and 27. Another Leeds star, Lachlan Miller, came out on top after the opening phase of the campaign, and was third this time.
The shortlist is released with the intention of maintaining interest in the award and so while it has no bearing on the final outcome, their selections are an indication of who has impressed, before the Man of Steel is decided at the end of the regular season and announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29.
Neither scrum-half Connor nor centre and Rhinos captain Handley were in the top ten chosen after the opening nine rounds, but are joint-top of the latest selection.
Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill came fourth, with Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley fifth.
Mikey Lewis, Hull KR’s 2024 Man of Steel, and Toulouse Olympique fullback Olly Ashall-Bott gained votes too among the panel, who also considered Lewis’ halfback partner Tyrone May, Leeds winger Maika Sivo and St Helens hooker Daryl Clark, who will miss the remainder of the season through injury.
Tomkins, the Man of Steel in 2012 and 2021, said: “The two guys that top it – Jake Connor and Ash Handley – fully deserve it.
“That’s given Leeds are the form team in the competition with some great results over this nine-round period.
“They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that.
“We’re seeing the best of Jake again. His kicking has been outstanding, his try assists and his influence – the way he runs that side of the pitch – is clear for everyone to see.
“And Ash Handley is certainly in the best form of his career. That’s without doubt, in my opinion.
“For so long he was really close, and you could have argued he was slightly inconsistent at times in previous years.
“But in this last block of nine games Ash has been a stand-out player in Super League.
“He’s been quality every single week. I love the way the Leeds side look to him to be a leader as well. Not only does he provide tries – so many for Super League’s top scorer Maika Sivo – score tries and does all the hard work but he’s always the one that the lads seem to be looking at as well.
“He’s certainly at the top of his game – and deserves to be at the top of our list.”