Predicting the top five of the Man of Steel rankings including the winner

The most prestigious individual award available in British rugby league at present is the Man of Steel award.

Right now as we await the start of the 2023 Super League season, everyone is speculating who might win the Grand Final, the League Leaders’ Shield and the Challenge Cup Final as well as which player will be crowned the Steve Prescott Man of Steel for 2023.

So, today we are predicting how the top five of the Man of Steel rankings will look come the end of the season.

5. Matt Dufty – Warrington Wolves
Last year we saw how modern rugby league lends itself to fast fullbacks who can take an inch of space and devastate a side. Matt Dufty has bags of pace and power too and behind a strong pack could shine in 2023. He could be well in the mix for the award.

4. Brodie Croft – Salford Red Devils
The reigning Man of Steel should be right in the mix again for the top individual honour especially if Salford, as many expect, kick on from 2022 having kept all their key players. He was a joy to watch in 2022.

3. Jack Welsby – St Helens
It is inevitable that one day Jack Welsby will win the Man of Steel and settled back into the fullback role in 2023, he should have the chance to shine. This may see him right up in the mix again in 2023.

2. Jai Field – Wigan Warriors
Many people’s pick for the Man of Steel in 2022, he was unlucky to miss out and if he continues his form into the new season, Jai Field should be very high up the rankings such is his ability to score and create tries.

1. Edwin Ipape – Leigh Leopards
The bookies’ favourites for the Man of Steel award, he is the reigning Betfred Championship Player of the Year and the scorer of the RFL’s try of the season. All the explosivity and power of a star of Super League, he could very well stand out.