PAUL McShane has walked away with rugby league’s highest individual honour, the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.
And legend Ellery Hanley insists the Castleford star deserves the prize as he is Mr Dependable.
The hooker saw off competition from Wigan pair Bevan French and Liam Farrell, Huddersfield’s Aidan Sezer and St Helens’ Lachlan Coote to the accolade.
Having someone not involved in this year’s Grand Final – the Tigers missed out on the play-offs completely – may have raised eyebrows among many.
But Hanley is adamant the 31-year-old is a worthy winner, saying: “The award deservedly goes to Paul because he performs in every game he plays in. He is Mr Dependable and everyone holds him in the highest regard.
“As a player, he consistently displays bravery, skill and athleticism.
“This is a man who wears his badge of honour in every action he delivers on the rugby league field.
“The phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ fits Paul perfectly and you only have to be in his company for three minutes to discover what a gentleman and first-class human being he is.
“We are so lucky to have him in our game.”
Leeds’ Harry Newman, who suffered a badly broken leg, scooped the Young Player of the Year honour while Wigan’s Adrian Lam was named Coach of the Year.
Legend Rob Burrow, who is living with but raising awareness and funds into research of motor neurone disease, and Mose Masoe – who is bravely battling back from a career ending injury that left him learning to walk again – were both given the Spirit of Super League Award.
SUPER LEAGUE AWARDS WINNERS
Top Tackler – Michael Lawrence (Huddersfield)
Top Try Scorer – Ash Handley (Leeds)
Spirit of Super League Award – Rob Burrow and Mose Masoe
Young Player of the Year – Harry Newman (Leeds)
Coach of the Year – Adrian Lam (Wigan)
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel – Paul McShane (Castleford)
THE LATEST IN RUGBY LEAGUE
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqynqKqkZH50fpZwbnBvX5iutMDLnp2oqpSoeq6%2BjJ2cqZ2ema6juMRmp5qtnGK6pL%2FHmqWeZZ6WuqawjGtna2hdqMGmwsRmp6udo5i8tcCMppinZZ%2BberTAxJ6jaA%3D%3D