This player WILL be crowned Man of Steel in 2024

Wigan Warriors star Bevan French is the current holder of the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award but our early pick for the 2024 Man of Steel is a new Leeds Rhinos signing.

Now, you’re probably thinking Brodie Croft. The new Leeds number six arrives at the club as the 2022 Man of Steel and many Leeds fans believe that the former Salford Red Devils star will pick up the award again as the Rhinos look to give him the platform to shine.

He becomes the second former Man of Steel Leeds have brought in to play in the halves on recent years having signed 2017 Man of Steel Luke Gale from Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2020 season. This had initial success with Gale guiding Leeds to the Challenge Cup trophy in 2020 as skipper but after a falling out he left the club ahead of the 2022 season.

Interestingly, Leeds have signed more former Man of Steels than they have had winners of the award in Super League history having signed 2003 Man of Steel Jamie Peacock at the end of 2005 in what is undoubtedly the biggest and best transfer in Super League history as he spurred on the dynasty they formed at the club.

They also signed Adrian Vowles from Castleford Tigers after he won the Man of Steel in 1999. This was a year after Iestyn Harris won the Man of Steel award in 1998 as one of two Leeds players to win the award in Super League with the other being Zak Hardaker in 2015. Somehow, the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow never won the award.

What is interesting, is the two winners Leeds have had are fullbacks. Fullback often produces Man of Steel winners and that is our pick, the Leeds number one in the shape of Lachie Miller.

You may be questioning why. Miller is naturally an unknown but he has everything needed to tear Super League apart. His speed is similar to that of French, Jai Field and Matt Dufty all of whom have been brilliant since arriving in Super League.

Something Miller has that these brilliant players lack is power. Not only is he quick, but he has the ability to power through tackles.

If Leeds have the success many are tipping them for after their signings and they are able to play the Rohan Smith style of rugby, we will see Miller have a lot of joy and this will likely equate to Man of Steel points.