Predicting the Man of Steel rankings in 2023

There are so many prestigious individual awards in rugby league.

The Harry Sunderland Award goes to the Man of the Match in the Grand Final, the Lance Todd Trophy is given to the Challenge Cup Final’s best player and the Golden Boot is awarded to the best international performer of the season.

However, one of the biggest awards is the Man of Steel. Every season there is a big question over who will pick up the award, so today we are predicting who will win the Man of Steel and who the two runners up will be.

3. Edwin Ipape – Leigh Leopards
The Championship Player of the Year in 2022, he was exceptional last year and is ready to take Super League by storm. A livewire hooker with great strength, he will score tries for fun and create them in Super League. He will be a standout performer every week and as the bookies’ favourite for the award he will be in the mix.

2. Bevan French – Wigan Warriors
French would have arguably won the award last year had he played the full season. He scored an insane number of tries last year including seven in one game against Hull FC. Now with a pre-season under his belt he could be unstoppable.

1. Jack Welsby – St Helens
Super League’s next big star, Welsby has won the Young Player of the Year award in the last two seasons and has developed into a real match winner and England international. Down under against St George, back in his best position, Welsby showed his absolute quality and we will see that all season.