ELLERY Hanley has given insight behind the Man of Steel points he awarded to Saints players in their win against Castleford Tigers at Anfield during the Magic Weekend.
The former Saints head coach, the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel panellist judging the final game of the Super League fest in Liverpool, awarded three points to Tommy Makinson, two points to Lachlan Coote and one point to Kevin Naiqama.
On the leaderboard it leaves Coote in third place, two points behind Wakefield prop David Fifita and five adrift of frontrunner Blake Austin, the Warrington Wolves stand-off.
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Also in the top 10 for Saints are James Roby, seventh, and Jonny Lomax, 10th.
“Very rarely has Tommy fallen below an 8 out of 10 performance this season," said Hanley.
"His huge value to St Helens is almost hard to measure, as what you see in his yardage gain and putting St Helens on the front foot.
Tommy Makinson is congratulated by Lachlan Coote at Anfield. Pictures: Bernard Platt
“He causes a destruction in the opposition defence by pulling its shape from pillar to post, causing the openings for St Helens’ attack for their other wrecking ball players.
“And to add to all of that, his tackling and defence was almost faultless.”
Coote has climbed four places thanks to Hanley's points from Sunday.
“It was another polished all-around game from the unflappable Lachlan Coote," said the former Wigan, Leeds and Great Britain skipper.
Lachlan Coote puts in a kick at Anfield. Pictures: Bernard Platt
“His run in the first six minutes of the second-half to set-up Jack Ashworth’s try was poetry in motion.
“He also scored himself and had a huge influence on the St Helens side since taking over the full back duties since stepping onto these shores."
Hanley says Fiji skipper Naiqama has been an outstanding and astute signing for Saints this season.
He added: “You probably will have to go a long way in seeing a try scored as good as this in the second-half by this centre.
Kevin Naiqama heads to the try line against Cas at Anfield. Pictures: Bernard Platt
“His evasive skills were right there for all to see, his explosive power is quite extraordinary along with staying in stride when changing direction.
"He is deceptively strong and his first-up contact on tackling was awesome.”
He concluded: “Jonny Lomax and co. were also brilliant but my eyes and calculation of contribution rest with the three players above.”
All the points from the Dacia Magic Weekend:
3 Points: Tony Gigot, Darnell McIntosh, Dec Patton,Mose Masoe, Harry Newman and Tommy Makinson
2 Points: Kyle Wood, Jermaine McGillvary, Daryl Clark, Josh Jones, Jordan Abdull and Lachlan Coote
1 Point: Matty Smith, Michael Lawrence, Blake Austin, Craig Hall, Trent Merrin and Kevin Naiqama
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