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Paul Sculthorpe, twice named Man of Steel, runs the rule over 10 stars of Super League after 10 rounds. He gives us his rundown of potential candidates to pick up the highest individual accolade in the Betfred Super League and be named The Steve Prescott Man of Steel

In no particular order, here’s my choices and I make no apologies for picking FIVE of the table-topping Saints squad!

• Luke Thompson (St Helens): Thomo is currently the best prop in SL, with his no-nonsense aggressive line running and strong defence.

An athletic player who can do big minutes, currently in the England Knights performance squad but on this form will be hard to keep out of the senior squad come the end of the year.

• James Roby (St Helens): Consistently brilliant! Robes just keeps getting better with age. The Saints skipper and leads the way with his performances rather than talk.

A massive blow for Saints if the injury he picked up last week v Hull keeps him out of the game at Wakefield, possibly longer.

• Tommy Makinson (St Helens): Could have easily been named MOM in all of the last three games. Tommy has been in outstanding form of late and looks back to his very best.

Always been a prolific try scorer and last week crossed for his 100th try, but what has stood out for me is the way he brings the ball back from kicks/dummy half with so much pace and power.

• Ben Barba (St Helens): Well he didn’t play in the last game against Hull FC which proves we’re not a one-man team.We all know Ben is a world class player and no surprise he’s the clear favourite with Betfred to be crowned Man of Steel! A player who is relishing his time at Saints.
• Mark Percival (St Helens): After the big disappointment of the RLWC, Percy has knuckled down and worked on his game, and looking at him his physical presence too.

A very highly rated player who is certainly living up to the billing. 10 tries in 10 games so far this season, a possible shout for Betfred SL Top Try-scorer.

• Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers): Paul was a major factor of the Tigers success in 2017 and has continued this season where he left off. A very smart footballer with a great workrate in defence too.

I think the key player in Castleford’s challenge for silverware.

• Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves): Stef has been Warrington’s best player all season. An outstanding runner but also a very skilful player who can cover numerous positions.

He has also taken on the goal kicking duties at the Wire...and was the difference in the away win at the Castleford mud bath!

• Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos): Another player handed the captain’s armband this season. Like Robes, Kallum isn’t a big talker but a player who inspires his teammates with his performance.

A world class strike player, who is a major threat to any defence. 7 tries in 9 appearances this season so far. He also has taken on the goal kicking responsibilities at the Rhinos.

Albert Kelly (Hull FC): He’s the heartbeat of the Black & Whites attack, a powerful player with great footwork and pace. A cavalier of a player.

Albert loves to take on defenses, leaving Mark Sneyd to organize the team. We won’t mention ‘that’ forward pass for his try last week...unbelievable!

• Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors): Sam is clearly over his injuries that blighted his performances in the last couple of seasons and looks back to his elusive self.

Apart from his running game, Sam is a smart footballer and Wigan are a far greater threat when he features. Tipped to join the Catalan Dragons next season!

Meanwhile, next up for Saints it’s Wakefield away on Sunday, and that’s no easy place to go.

Wakey may have lost their last five games, but with three being lost by five points or less shows they are no pushovers.

But the fact is, it’s Saints who are continuing to dominate – and I think it will be a Saints win by 12 or more which is 2/1 at Betfred.