Who is your Man of Steel ?
Remember this Man of Steel winner ? Jonathan Davies collected the prize in 1994 after a magnificent season with Warrington. James Roby was last year's winner and his St Helens and England front row team-mate, James Graham, looks to be setting the pace for this year's prize after picking up the first gong of the year - the Rugby League Writers' Association player of the year award. Graham would be my choice at this stage for the big one. That decision is in the hands of the Super League players who each have a vote, but who would you select for the award, which will be presented at a ceremony in Manchester in the week of the Grand Final ?
Just noticed K Cunningham hasnt won it yet so he may get it this year as his days are running out so Graham may have to wait another year to get his - 5 Saints players in the last 7 years have won BTW only Jamie Peacock and Andy Farell. PS Chris - who was on the voteing pannel in 1999 he he he he
Posted by: Philip Hart | 10 Sep 2008 15:24:54
Chris,
The fact that Sky's Ant and Dec were involved says it all really - also Dave Hadfields constantly getting wrong M.O.T.M in-correct along with his pre-season tips it's bound to be someone wearing the red V. In 2004 when Leeds broke many records and were playing fantastic rugby and won the SL Final and in a year were Big Les was scoring for fun Fielden had one of his best ever season IMO it went to Joe Average Andy Farell. Last year we had guy who plays with a very dominating pack of forwards that tires defences and throws a little nippy lad on in 20mins stints winning over Jamie Peacock who actually had to work hard in the time he was given on the pitch. Robey is a great talent dont get me wrong but the work that Peacock put in consistantly not just for Leeds bit in the 06 tri-nations right through 07 was head and shoulders above Roby. I've enjoyed reading the blog this year your insight into rugby is far more advance then your rival broadsheets anyway!
it's down to 3 players IMO this year Peacock, Gidley and Graham
Posted by: Philip Hart | 10 Sep 2008 14:12:47
Hi Philip,
Just want to point out that if you're pointing any finger of blame, it should also be pointed at fellow members of the Man of Steel committee, who last year comprised not just Dave Hadfield, but myself, Dave Woods from the BBC, and Mike Stephenson and Eddie Hemmings, from Sky. James Roby was by no means a unanimous decision. Far from it. In a previous blog, I pointed out that it was the most difficult decision the committee has had to make in my ten years experience as a panel member. There were long and loud arguments but at the end of that session we had to come up with one name and that was Roby's.
Posted by: Chris Irvine | 10 Sep 2008 13:31:32
Now Dave Hadfield has no input into the decission it may get some credibility back!
Posted by: Philip Hart | 10 Sep 2008 13:25:16
I agree with Hart waste of time the MOS, just a jolly for the RFL and Sky backslappers!
Should be Peacock again if anybody.
Posted by: Mike hunt | 9 Sep 2008 12:27:27
Who cares?
the Man of steele lost it's credibility in 2004 when Pan Face won and last year when Roby won it
Posted by: Philip Hart | 9 Sep 2008 12:13:11
Graham by a country mile. Outstanding year.
Posted by: David Nachmias | 9 Sep 2008 11:12:44
allo allo bonjour, my leetle english it az to be clint for me ee az been consistent all season watch my cats devour ze wolves zis weekend
aurevior
Posted by: gastro nomique | 9 Sep 2008 10:07:10
See Graham's got 30 per cent of the vote. A shoe-in for Man of Steel. Thoroughly deserved. He's been awesome for Saints. Just hope he goes as well in the World Cup.
Posted by: Numptyboy | 9 Sep 2008 09:09:33