JAKE CONNOR may have bowed out in the Super League play-offs with Leeds Rhinos following a heartbreaking 16-14 loss to St Helens, but the 30-year-old is hotly tipped to lift the Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

Connor has enjoyed a new lease of life since joining the Rhinos ahead of this campaign from Huddersfield Giants, growing into the halfback role at Headingley.

Before the season began, there was no certainty that Connor would even earn a starting shirt, yet he has been a revelation.

He is on a three-man shortlist, alongside last year’s winner Mikey Lewis of Hull KR and Wigan Warriors’ Jai Field, for the Man of Steel, which will be awarded on Tuesday, October 7 at the Rugby League Awards.

“It’s been a bit of everything really – the coaching staff, the team I am playing in,” said Connor of his form.

“There’s been a good balance of everything – hard work and enjoyment together.

“It’s all come together pretty well. (Leeds coach) Brad Arthur has been great, he’s always been on top of me and never let me have a breath which for someone like me I’ve always needed and it’s paid off.

“He has kept the enjoyment there for me as well which is key.”

Connor also explained how his game has changed after being handed the keys to the team at scrum-half, after previously playing as either a fullback, stand-off or centre.

“My game has changed and it obviously had to change with me getting the number-seven role and leading the team,” he said.

“I’ve got to think about different things and different outcomes to what I have before.

‘There’s a lot more thinking that goes into it but that is something that I thrive on and have thrived on.”