The countdown to Old Trafford is officially on – and with it comes one of the biggest questions of the season: who will be crowned the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel?
Three of Super League’s brightest stars have made the shortlist, and each one has had a huge say in shaping this unforgettable 30th season.
The Shortlist
- Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)
Already a history-maker after lifting the 2024 Man of Steel award, Lewis could join an elite group of players to win it more than once. At just 24, he’s the heartbeat of Hull KR’s League Leaders’ Shield-winning side and is chasing the chance to emulate Paul Sculthorpe, the last man to retain the award back in 2002. - Jai Field (Wigan Warriors)
Field has been electric once again, lighting up the competition from full-back. His speed, skill and consistency have been pivotal in keeping Wigan at the very top. The Australian livewire already has a Dream Team spot this year – could he add the game’s highest individual honour too? - Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)
What a story. Written off by some after his move from Huddersfield, Connor has thrived in the stand-off role at Leeds, steering the Rhinos back into the top four for the first time since 2017. Turning 31 next month, he’s arguably playing the best rugby of his career.
All three players have a compelling case – but only one will be crowned the outstanding player of Super League 2025 on Awards Night in Manchester, Tuesday 7 October.
Dream Team 2025 – Robins Lead the Way
While the Man of Steel shortlist turns heads, the Dream Team announcement this week also gave fans plenty to cheer about.
Hull KR, fresh from their first-ever League Leaders’ Shield, dominate with four inclusions:
- Mikey Lewis (half-back, retaining his spot)
- Peta Hiku (centre)
- Jez Litten (hooker)
- Dean Hadley (second-row)
They’re joined by five debutants – Lewis Martin and Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC), Jake Connor and James McDonnell (Leeds), plus Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards).
Wigan stars Jai Field (full-back) and Liam Marshall (wing) also make the cut, with Marshall one of only two players to back up his 2024 selection. St Helens workhorse Morgan Knowles earns his fifth Dream Team call-up, while Wakefield’s captain Mike McMeeken makes a fairytale return – eight years after his last inclusion.
The Dream Team celebrates both established greats and rising stars, showing just how much talent has shone across the league in 2025.
This year’s Dream Team is: Full-Back – Jai Field (Wigan Warriors) Wings – Lewis Martin (Hull FC), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors) Centres – Peta Hiku (Hull KR), Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards) Halves – Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR) Hooker – Jez Litten (Hull KR) Props – Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity), Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC) Second-Row – Dean Hadley (Hull KR), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos) Loose Forward – Morgan Knowles (St Helens)
The Road Ahead
Play-off eliminators kicks off this weekend, with Leeds hosting St Helens and Leigh taking on Wakefield Trinity, while Hull KR and Wigan wait in the semi-finals. Then it’s on to Awards Night, and finally, the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 11 October.
So, fans – we’ve got a Dream Team stacked with talent, three outstanding contenders for Man of Steel, and a thrilling play-off series about to unfold.
👉 The big question is: will it be Mikey Lewis, Jai Field or Jake Connor lifting the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel trophy in 2025?
