LEEDS RHINOS” Jake Connor has been named this year’s Man of Steel.
In his first season following a move from Huddersfield Giants, Connor has excelled in a new role at scrum-half.
The 30-year-old has scored seven tries and assisted a further 30 in Super League, and recorded a total of 181 points.
That form helped Leeds to their first top-four finish in eight years.
Receiving the award, Connor said: “It’s pretty crazy.
“I turned up at Leeds as a utility player, playing centre in the reserves. If you’d asked me then if I’d pick up this award, it would be a definite no.
“I had to put my ego aside, get my head down and put the work in.”
Connor beat Wigan Warriors fullback Jai Field and last year’s winner, Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis.
St Helens centre Harry Robertson won the Super League Young Player of the Year award after registering 12 tries and five assists in 21 appearances.
And Hull KR boss Willie Peters scooped up the competition’s Coach of the Year for the second season running, with Rovers winning the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield so far in 2025 and the Grand Final on the line on Saturday.
The Woman of Steel award went to back-rower Eva Hunter, who edged out her Wigan Warriors team-mates Isabel Rowe and Jenna Foubister following the club’s treble-winning season.
Rowe had the consolation of being named Young Player of the Year, while Wigan boss Denis Betts took out Coach of the Year.
London Roosters’ Joe Coyd won the Wheels of Steel as the best player in the Wheelchair Super League, ahead of Halifax Panthers pair Jack Brown and Rob Hawkins.
York Knights hooker Paul McShane scooped the Championship Player of the Year while the League One award was shared between Rochdale Hornets halfback Lewis Else – who also won the prize in 2024 – and Workington Town fullback Zarrin Galea.