A Night of Rugby League Glory
The stars of Rugby League shone bright at Manchester’s Deansgate Hilton for the 2025 Rugby League Awards Night, as players, coaches, and fans came together to celebrate another unforgettable season.
The top honours went to Jake Connor, Eva Hunter, and Joe Coyd, who were crowned the Man of Steel, Woman of Steel, and Wheels of Steel respectively — recognising their outstanding performances in 2025.
🏆 Jake Connor Named 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel
Embed from Getty ImagesLeeds Rhinos’ talisman Jake Connor has been crowned the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, becoming the first Rhinos player to win the honour since Zak Hardaker in 2015.
The 31-year-old playmaker’s arrival from Huddersfield Giants last winter transformed Leeds’ fortunes, guiding them from eighth place in 2024 to fourth in the Super League — their best finish since 2017.
The Man of Steel award, determined by a panel of former players, recognises consistency and influence throughout the regular season.
👑 Eva Hunter Makes History as Woman of Steel
Wigan Warriors’ rising star Eva Hunter became the first Wigan player ever to win the Woman of Steel.
The 20-year-old second-row has had a dream season, scoring in both the Women’s Challenge Cup Final and the Super League Grand Final, helping Wigan secure a historic treble.
Hunter’s record-breaking streak of 13 consecutive matches with a try cemented her as one of the brightest talents in the women’s game.
Her teammate Isabel Rowe took home the Young Player of the Year, while Denis Betts was named Coach of the Year, completing a clean sweep for Wigan.
♿ Joe Coyd Takes Home the Wheels of Steel
In the Wheelchair Super League, Joe Coyd of the London Roosters won the Wheels of Steel, marking a proud moment for both the team and his family.
His brother Tom Coyd was honoured as Coach of the Year, after leading the Roosters to their best-ever season — reaching both the Challenge Cup and Super League finals.
Finlay O’Neill of Halifax Panthers, who helped his side to a domestic treble, earned the Young Player of the Year.
💪 Other Big Winners on the Night
- Harry Robertson (St Helens) – Super League Young Player of the Year
- Willie Peters (Hull KR) – Super League Coach of the Year, for guiding the Robins to the League Leaders’ Shield and the Challenge Cup
- Paul McShane (York Knights) – Championship Player of the Year, five years after his Man of Steel triumph
- Lewis Else (Rochdale Hornets) and Zarrin Galea (Workington Town) – shared League One Player of the Year honours
- Carl Forster (North Wales Crusaders) – League One Coach of the Year, after an incredible debut season
🥂 Celebrating Legends and Farewells
The evening also honoured several Super League icons retiring after 200+ appearances — including Leroy Cudjoe, Chris Hill, Sam Tomkins, and Stefan Ratchford.
Veteran coaches John Kear and Brian Noble were also recognised for their lasting contributions to the sport.
Special awards were presented to Lewis Martin (Hull FC) and Dani McGifford (St Helens) as the top try-scorers of 2025, and Jarrod O’Connor (Leeds Rhinos) for leading the league with an incredible 1,047 tackles.
Full List of 2025 Rugby League Award Winners
🏉 Super League
- Man of Steel: Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)
- Young Player: Harry Robertson (St Helens)
- Coach of the Year: Willie Peters (Hull KR)
👩🦰 Women’s Super League
- Woman of Steel: Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors)
- Young Player: Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors)
- Coach of the Year: Denis Betts (Wigan Warriors)
♿ Wheelchair Super League
- Wheels of Steel: Joe Coyd (London Roosters)
- Young Player: Finlay O’Neill (Halifax Panthers)
- Coach of the Year: Tom Coyd MBE (London Roosters)
🏆 Championship
- Player of the Year: Paul McShane (York Knights)
- Young Player: Jack Smith (London Broncos)
- Coach of the Year: Mark Applegarth (York Knights)
🏅 League One
- Players of the Year: Lewis Else (Rochdale Hornets), Zarrin Galea (Workington Town)
- Young Player: Louie Roberts (Swinton Lions)
- Coach of the Year: Carl Forster (North Wales Crusaders)
A Night to Remember
From Connor’s comeback season to Hunter’s history-making treble and Coyd’s inspirational performances, the 2025 Rugby League Awards Night was a true celebration of resilience, skill, and passion — proving once again why Rugby League remains one of sport’s greatest family communities.
