6 Man of Steel Contenders
The 2021 Man of Steel award is going to be as hotly contested as ever with several genuine contenders hoping to add the prestigious award to the trophy cabinet. The 6 players on this list have over 1500 first grade league games between them and another 100 plus representative games of rugby.
Here are the 6 contenders.
John Bateman- The enigmatic John Bateman returns home to England and the Wigan Warriors after a successful 2 seasons at the Canberra Raiders. He also brings home the honour of been named the 2019 Dally M second-rower of the year. Bateman has huge boots to fill taking over the legendary number 13 shirt at Wigan previously donned by Sean O’Loughlin. Now has plenty of experience after playing over 200 career games and will take the Super League by storm yet again.
Daryl Clark- In my opinion he is the best English hooker, devastating running game when markers are left on the floor. Should have plenty of chances to shine behind a Warrington pack with a point to prove. His team and spent big to try and capture the Super League title and Clark will be looking to deliver. Won the award back in 2014 whilst playing at the Castleford Tigers. Has plenty of experience now racking up 74 tries in 267 first grade games.
James Roby- Entering the twilight years of his career at 35, 465 games after his debut in 2004. Roby has long been one of the top hookers in the league. He last won the award back in 2009 he has been unlucky not to win in again since then. Despite his age, he is as dangerous as ever with his running game and always puts in a shift in defence.
Jackson Hastings- Man of Steel winner in 2019 whilst at Salford where he was a fan favourite. Now in his second season at Wigan which is rumoured to be his last, he will be looking to have a huge year with hopes of gaining a contract back in the NRL. Hastings will need to continue his great form from previous years to get the Warriors back to Old Trafford.
Liam Watts- Very unlucky to not have more caps for England due to an abundance of great props at the disposal of the national side in recent years. The big front-rower will be looking to force his way into Shaun Wanes plans which can only be good for his club side Castleford. A great off loader and a leader on the field who always plays big minutes and delivers big yards.
Greg Inglis-At 34 years of age and after a year out of the game he will be a longshot to win the Man of Steel but if he is as fit as he looked in the pre-season photos anything is possible. At 6FT 5IN tall and near 17 stone the towering centre is a handful, he should comfortably combine for over 15 tries with assists and tries of his own if he can stay injury-free. Brings a winning culture to a Warrington Wolves side that needs it. Also brings masses of experience with 150 NRL tries in 265 games and 71 rep games for Queensland and Australia.
