SARL Man of Steel points: Round 28

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 confirmed as the 2019 Man of Steel (in our eyes anyway), with a nine point lead that is now out of reach of his closest competitor, Blake Austin. There’s still time for him to extend his lead, though, while other can push themselves into the top 10.

Here’s who we think won this week’s points:

Castleford Tigers v Hull FC

A truly classy performance from young Jake Trueman. His three tries showed off his natural vision and awareness, while he kicked Hull to death all night.

3 points – Jake Trueman

2 points – Jordan Rankin

1 point – Jesse Sene-Lefao

Wigan v Catalans

Bevan French showed exactly why Wigan were so keen to bring him over. His three tries perfectly displayed his electric pace and superb finishing ability.

3 points – Bevan French

2 points – Zak Hardaker

1 point – Willie Isa

Leeds v Salford

In what was a tough, gritty game at times, Jackson Hastings orchestrated Salford’s attack and led them to victory with some lovely touches.

3 points – Jackson Hastings

2 points – Krisnan Inu

1 point – Josh Jones

Warrington v Wakefield

Stefan Ratchford was one of several standout performers for both sides. He put himself about the field all night and was a constant thorn in the Trinity side.

3 points – Stefan Ratchford

2 points – Daryl Clark

1 point – Jordan Crowther

St Helens v Huddersfield

Luke Thompson set a platform for Saints’ demolition job from early on with plenty of barnstorming runs. Fully deserved his two tries.

3 points – Luke Thompson

2 points – Lachlan Coote

1 point – Morgan Knowles

Hull KR v London

Brock Lamb was exceptional in attack all evening, as well as being pivotal in the Broncos’ late match winner with an unreal piece of handling. Luke Yates also deserves credit for his superb defensive efforts, making 63 tackles.

3 points – Brock Lamb

2 points – Luke Yates

1 point – Jay Pitts

Overall Standings:

Hastings does indeed extend his lead at the top to 12 this week after an exceptional performance against Leeds. Warrington duo Stefan Ratchford also move up into seventh and eighth respectively after taking their points tallies to 19, while Lachlan Coote also moves up a place. Finally, Jake Trueman and Luke Thompson find themselves in joint-10th for the first time this season.

1. Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils) – 37

2. Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves) – 25

3. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – 21

4. Jonny Lomax (St Helens) – 21

5. Marc Sneyd (Hull FC) – 20

6. Lachlan Coote (St Helens) – 20

7. Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves) – 19

8. Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves) – 19

9. David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity) – 18

10. Sam Tomkins (Catalan Dragons) – 18

11. George Williams (Wigan Warriors) – 18

12. Jordan Abdull (London Broncos) – 18

13. Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers) – 18

14. Luke Thompson (St Helens) – 18