Jake Connor in front as Hull FC and Wigan Warriors men lead Super League Man of Steel chase plus surprise name in fifth

Jake Connor still leads the Super League Man of Steel standings with the Round 14 scores confirmed and added to the tally.

Connor split opinion when he signed for Leeds Rhinos with plenty questioning how such a maverick would work under the Brad Arthur regime but in truth, Leeds would have been far worse off without him.

The former Huddersfield man started the season strong at full-back in Lachie Miller’s absence and has since usurped Matt Frawley, with the overseas half forced to leave on loan to find opportunities.

Connor played yet another starring role in last Saturday’s 36-12 win over Warrington Wolves as he extended his Super League season tallies to four tries and 17 assists, earning him another two Man of Steel points to move onto 21.

That puts him five points clear of his next challenger with Connor consistently among the Man of Steel points, having picked up points in nine of the Rhinos 14 games so far this year.

Who scored Man of Steel points in Round 14?

Connor only picked up two from Saturday’s win with second-rower Morgan Gannon claiming max points as Cam Smith picked up the remaining point in what was a dominant Rhinos performance.

The nearest challengers to the Leeds man all missed out on points with Hull FC’s Herman Ese’ese missing out in their 22-14 loss against Castleford Tigers. Instead, it was Cas prop Tom Amone who claimed max points with makeshift full-back Zac Cini taking two, and Zak Hardaker taking one in defeat.

Connor’s other close challenger, Jai Field, also missed out with Huddersfield players taking the lions share of points in their clash with Wigan, despite losing it at the death. Zac Woolford, who has since signed a new contract, scored three with Ashton Golding (two) and Kaide Ellis (one) picking up the spares.

Last year’s Super League Man of Steel Mikey Lewis missed out on points with James Batchlor (three), Sauaso Sue (two) and Tyrone May (one) claiming the spoils in Hull KR’s huge win over Catalans.

Sunday’s games saw Leigh beat Wakefield and Saints beat Salford, however, Wakey star Max Jowitt was among the points as he earned two for his brace in defeat.

Ben McNamara claimed three as Joe Ofahengaue scored one with David Armstrong very unlucky to be snubbed.

As for St Helens, four-try hero Kyle Feldt claimed max points with Tristan Sailor (two) and Alex Walmsley (one) grabbing the others.

Super League Man of Steel leaderboard after Round 14

Jake Connor sits five points clear just past the midway stage of the season, having earned a whopping 50% of available points. Seven players are tied on eight points including former winner Bevan French.

Catalans winger Nick Cotric, who only has one try to his name, still sits in fifth place which his placing a clear argument for why this current system does not work, especially given the names behind him.

1: Jake Connor – 21
2: Herman Ese’ese – 16
3: Jai Field – 15
4: Aidan Sezer – 13
5: Nick Cotric – 12
6: Lachie Miller – 11
T8: Junior Nsemba – 10
T8: Mikey Lewis – 10
9: Edwin Ipape – 9
T10 – Bevan French, George Whitby, Jack Welsby, Mike McMeeken, Jake Wardle, Arthur Mourgue and Peta Hiku – 8

Full Super League Man of Steel leaderboard available here.