The Super League season reaches one of its most significant nights as the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel is set to be announced.
The award, the sport’s top individual honour, recognises the player judged to have made the greatest impact throughout the campaign.
First introduced in 1977, the Man of Steel celebrates consistency, leadership, and influence - not just highlight-reel moments.
It was renamed in 2014 to honour Steve Prescott, a former international player who inspired the sport with his courage and charity work during his illness.
Unlike fan-voted awards, the Man of Steel is decided by a panel of former professionals.
After every Super League fixture, judges award points to the three best performers on the field.
These weekly votes create a running leaderboard that rewards sustained excellence rather than short bursts of form.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Once voting goes private at the halfway mark, the leaderboard is hidden - adding intrigue for players and fans alike.
At the mid-season point, Jake Connor led the standings after a strong run of form for Leeds Rhinos, while Mikey Lewis and Jai Field sat close behind. Their surge in the second half of the campaign, however, ensured the race remained wide open heading into the final rounds.
This year’s three finalists reflect that balance.
Lewis, the 2024 winner, could become only the second player ever to retain the title after Paul Sculthorpe achieved the feat in 2001 and 2002.
The Hull KR halfback has been instrumental in guiding his side to the League Leaders’ Shield and a Grand Final appearance.
Field, meanwhile, has been central to Wigan’s bid for back-to-back titles, combining speed and vision to unlock defences all season.
Connor completes the shortlist after an outstanding creative year for Leeds, driving the Rhinos’ attack despite their playoff exit.
With KR and Wigan meeting at Old Trafford this weekend, tonight’s ceremony could offer an early hint at who will define the Grand Final.
More from The Sporting News:
- Fife Flyers respond to Aiden Wilson statement
- EIHL rejects FT claim that romance novels attract female ice hockey fans
- 'I feel like nothing’s wrong,' says Lewis Moody after MND diagnosis