BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Super League



By Ray French BBC Sport rugby league commentator

At the end of this month, a panel of officials and journalists will attempt to decide on the personality who has "made the most impact on the season".

They will select a player to be presented with the most coveted prize in Rugby League - the Man of Steel Award - to be handed out in Manchester on 15 October.

Your say: Vote for your Man of Steel

Wigan Warriors' inspirational half-back from Papua New Guinea, Adrian Lam, is one of the hot favourites to win, such has been his presence at the JJB Stadium this year.

Adrian Lam has many fans
Lam has had a brilliant season

His artistry which enabled Wigan to put one over rivals St Helens in the Challenge Cup Final at Murrayfield in April would be enough for any Wigan fan to push his claims.

But his leadership, in the absence of injured Wigan skipper Andy Farrell, in the club's 12 match unbeaten run, is yet further evidence of his impact.

Wigan boss Stuart Raper is one who is convinced of Lam's claims to the prize.

"Very rarely does a candidate for the Man of Steel come from a poor club because he needs players around him who are good enough to help him," said Raper.

"At Wigan, everyone has contributed to our success, but Adrian has been our most consistent player.

Sculthorpe can dominate a Test Match - even against Australia - and he reminds me of Laurie Daley

Ian Millward

"He and Paul Sculthorpe are the two standout candidates this year."

Though recognising the diminutive scrum-half's qualities, my vote would be for Saints loose forward Sculthorpe.

He has proved over the past twelve months, that he can slug it out with Australia's best.

And his Aussie club coach Ian Millward agrees.

"Lam and Sculthorpe have both been the two outstanding players of the season, but I think Paul will be the Man of Steel," said Millward.

"He has stamped himself as one of the great players of any era, and whether on attack or defence, his presence is awesome.

"He can dominate a Test Match - even against Australia - and he reminds me of Laurie Daley, who dominated at Canberra Raiders.

Paul Sculthorpe (top) has been in inspired form for club and country
Sculthorpe: Inspired for club and country
"I predict even greater things for Paul at international level as he gains more experience."

The 24-year-old has produced some sensational running and handling form this season, even taking over the goalkicking duties.

His presence in midfield has proved the catalyst for Saints' exciting open style of play.

Few would begrudge Lam his chance of joining Gavin Miller, Dean Bell and Adrian Vowles as only the fourth overseas player in 26 years to win the Man of Steel.

Orr wins BBC Sport Online's August award

And yet Sculthorpe - the winner in 2001 - has surely done enough to become the only player to win the trophy in successive years.

London Broncos' Denis Moran and Sculthorpe's team-mate Darren Albert will also have their admirers.

But it's Scully for me, for the Man of Steel.