The five-man Man of Steel shortlist for 2019 has been revealed with the winner announced at the Betfred Super League Awards at the Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, on October 6.
A panel of expert judges, led by Ellery Hanley MBE, have been awarding points to the top three performers in every Betfred Super League game this season.
When voting ‘went dark’ after round 22 – i.e when scores for individual performances stopped being published – Austin and Hastings were tied for the lead.
But strong displays from a number of players in the closing stages of the season has left a stellar list of names in the hunt for the sport’s biggest individual accolade.
The five players in contention to win the 2019 Man of Steel award:
1. Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves)
2. Lachlan Coote (St Helens)
3. Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils)
4. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers)
5. George Williams (Wigan Warriors)
Hanley, the only player to win three Man of Steel awards, said: “The panellists have been lucky to have witnessed first-hand some exceptional performances this season.
“I have often watched games back before awarding points at the matches I’ve been judging and that has helped me appreciate even more the range of skill and determination of so many players.
“The five guys in contention have been pivotal to their team’s success this season and for that they deserve recognition.
“But only one person can win and we look forward to finding out who that is at the Super League Awards next month.”
Book your tickets to the Betfred Super League Awards on October 6 through your club.
The new format will be a 90-minute cinematic presentation, built around content from the Leeds-based filmmakers The City Talking, whose recent work includes the Amazon Prime documentary Take Us Home: Leeds United.
It will recognise the most outstanding performances of the season and there will also be a focus on the important work being done by our clubs, fans and volunteers in the community and disability game.
More in Super League
-
Released Hull FC forward signs deal with another Super League club
It was confirmed by Hull FC and their head coach Tony Smith that French...
-
Hull KR: Enforcer sidelined for six weeks but boost for star player
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has provided an injury update ahead of his...
-
St Helens reveal amazing ticket sales
St Helens have confirmed the stunning sell out of the Totally Wicked Stadium for...
-
Castleford Tigers: Fresh injuries as key player sidelined for five weeks
Castleford Tigers head coach Craig Lingard has revealed the honest conversations that he’d had...