With the Man of Steel points kept secret by Super League from Round 23 onwards, we thought it would be a good idea to predict the outcome of the award.
Each week our journalists will decide which players they think deserve the MOS points in their respective games, then we’ll add them to the overall standings and hopefully get an idea of who will win after 29 round (hopefully being the key word)!
Last week saw Jackson Hastings extend his lead at the top of the standings, while Marc Sneyd, Jonny Lomax and George Williams also moved further up the top 10.
Here’s who we think won this week’s points:
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens
Kevin Naiqama’s three tries and all-round explosive running put Saints clear in front and all but decided the game. He handled Konrad Hurrell expertly in defence too.
3 points – Kevin Naiqama
2 points – Jonny Lomax
1 point – Mark Percival
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves
Young forward Morgan Smithies delivered a mature performance as one of the Warriors’ middle men, making 11 carries and 51 tackles. It’s no surprise he’s being dubbed ‘the next O’Loughlin’.
3 points – Morgan Smithies
2 points – Zak Hardaker
1 – George Williams
Catalan Dragons v London Broncos
Broncos vice-captain Jay Pitts led from the front as his side beat Catalans in Perpignan, ensuring his teammates kept the same energy and enthusiasm throughout.
3 points – Jay Pitts
2 points – Kieran Dixon
1 point – Alex Walker
Hull FC v Salford Red Devils
It’s becoming difficult to come up with new ways to describe Jackson Hastings’ performances with how consistent he is. Controlled his side’s attack and was a source of much frustration for the FC players and fans.
3 points – Jackson Hastings
2 points – Lee Mossop
1 point – Krisnan Inu
Huddersfield Giants v Castleford Tigers
In a game lacking in much real quality, Jake Trueman stood out as he tried his best to galvanise the Tigers in attack.
3 points – Jake Trueman
2 points – Adam Milner
1 point – Jesse Sene-Lefao
Hull KR v Wakefield Trinity
Two tries from Jacob Miller helped Wakefield to a convincing win over KR, as the Trinity captain looked to be finding his form again after a tough few weeks.
3 points – Jacob Miller
2 points – Ryan Hampshire
1 point – Kyle Wood
Overall Standings:
Just like the past two weeks, Jackson Hastings again extends his lead at the top to nine. Jonny Lomax moves above David Fifita, Lachlan Coote and Sam Tomkins after picking up two points against Leeds. George Williams also shifts from 11th to ninth.
1. Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils) – 34
2. Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves) – 25
3. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – 21
4. Marc Sneyd (Hull FC) – 20
5. Jonny Lomax (St Helens) – 20
6. David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity) – 18
7. Lachlan Coote (St Helens) – 18
8. Sam Tomkins (Catalan Dragons) – 18
9. George Williams (Wigan Warriors) – 18
10. Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves) – 17
11. Jordan Abdull (London Broncos) – 17