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 Jackson Hastings extended his winning lead to 12 points, while Stefan Ratchford and Daryl Clark moved up into seventh and eighth place respectively. Jake Trueman and Luke Thompson also moved into the top 10.
Here’s who we think won this week’s points:
Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers
Young prop Oli Partington completely dominated Castleford’s forwards and showed a complete disregard for reputations. A solid and mature performance from such a young man.
3 points – Oli Partington
2 points – Morgan Smithies
1 point – Oliver Gildart
Huddersfield Giants v Catalan Dragons
Louis Senior top off what has been a successful season individually with four tries. All were very well finished and demonstrated his excellent awareness. Young Dragons halfback Arthur Morgue also deserved a mention.
3 points – Louis Senior
2 points – Arthur Morgue
1 point – Sam Tomkins
Hull FC v St Helens
1 point – Theo Fages
Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves
Rob Lui controlled everything for Leeds – their distribution, go-forward and kicking game. Also took several difficult passes around his ankles throughout the game, such are his impeccable handling skills.
3 points – Rob Lui
2 points – Luke Briscoe
1 point – Stevie Ward
Salford Red Devils v Hull KR
Jackson Hastings ran the show. Again. He made some really nice touches and had a hand in Salford’s first try.
3 points – Jackson Hastings
2 points – Krisnan Inu
1 point – Ryan Shaw
Wakefield Trinity v London Broncos
Danny Brough stepped up exactly when he needed to, leading his team to safety and kicking London into the Championship.
3 points – Danny Brough
2 points – Kelepi Tanginoa
1 point – Ryan Hampshire
Overall standings:
Jackson Hastings finishes the regular season with a final tally of 40 points – 15 clear of Blake Austin in second. Lachlan Coote also moves up to finish in third place, overtaking both Liam Watts and Jonny Lomax.
1. Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils) – 40
2. Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves) – 25
3. Lachlan Coote (St Helens) – 22
4. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – 21
5. Jonny Lomax (St Helens) – 21
6. Marc Sneyd (Hull FC) – 20
7. Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves) – 19
8. Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves) – 19
9. Sam Tomkins (Catalan Dragons) – 19
10. David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity) – 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
