Wednesday 8 October 2014 23:43, UK
The 2014 Steve Prescott Man of Steel will be crowned at Lancashire County Cricket Club on Wednesday with James Roby, Jamie Peacock, Chris Hill and Daryl Clark vying for the award.
Roby, who won the coveted award in 2007, helped St Helens clinch the League Leaders’ Shield this year and played a key role in securing the club a Grand Final place.
The hooker will play no part in the end-of-season Four Nations series, but he will be expected to lead from the front as Nathan Brown’s men look to upset the odds against Wigan in Saturday’s Grand Final.
“If I do win it then it would be an added bonus, but if I don’t then I won’t get down about it. I’ve still got a big game on Saturday,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’m over-the-moon I’ve been selected and even more so that I’ve been selected by players from other teams. It’s nice to think that other players have voted for me.
“Fingers crossed you never know I might get it, but if not I’m fully supportive of whoever wins it. I think they deserve it very much.”
Joining Roby on the four-man shortlist is Leeds Rhinos veteran Peacock. The 36-year-old has been in top form in his 15th season.
I’m over-the-moon I’ve been selected and even more so that I’ve been selected by players from other teams. It’s nice to think that other players have voted for me.
He is looking to become only the fourth man to claim the prize for a second time having landed the individual prize 11 years ago while at the Bradford Bulls.
The youngest player on the shortlist is Castleford Tigers’ Clark, who enjoyed a season to remember for the West Yorkshire club.
Daryl Powell’s men finished a lofty fourth in the Super League table and they also reached the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final where they were beaten by the Leeds Rhinos.
Clark’s displays also caught the eye of England head coach Steve McNamara, who has called the 21-year-old hooker into his squad for the end-of-season Four Nations Series.
Joining Roby, Peacock and Clark on the shortlist is Warrington Wolves prop Chris Hill. The former Leigh Centurions man has been a model of consistency in 2014.
The 26-year-old played a starring role as Tony Smith's men fell just short of reaching a third straight Grand Final at Old Trafford, falling at the last hurdle to Joe Burgess’ late try against Wigan last Friday.
