Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke is well known for his outspoken views.
A few years ago, he predicted Salford Red Devils to win the Grand Final after then owner Marwan Koukash launched a great rebuild and rebrand.
Granted, Salford did reach the showpiece event at Old Trafford in 2019, but without Koukash in tow.
Clarke predicted Warrington Wolves to win the Grand Final in 2022 under new boss Daryl Powell, but that seems to be out of reach just halfway through the Super League season.
However, the former Wigan Warriors forward made another bold prediction last night as reigning champions St Helens just about overcame a stubborn Warrington.
When talking about Saints’ Jack Welsby, Clarke stated that he is ‘the Man of Steel halfway through the season.’
It’s a big claim considering the form of Wigan’s Jai Field, but Welsby is absolutely vital to this Saints team and how they tick, particularly when taking into account that usual halfback Jonny Lomax is suffering from a ruptured bicep.
That has left Welsby taking over a great deal of responsibility, especially as his halfback partner Ben Davies is a young man making his way into the game.