Graham, Peacock or Pryce?

The Man of Steel awards is part of a traditional process with the week leading up to Grand Final day. Its similar to Good Friday before Easter Sunday, the boat race before the grand national and Sydney before South Sydney. But as ever, its generally full of contraversy, or full of agreement. Last year we saw contraversy as Trent Barrett had his Man of Steel award pickpocketed by James Roby. In fact, I wouldn't at all be surprised if Barrett stood up as last year's announcer said "And the winner is..."

A Saints player has won the award for the past three seasons. In fact the last player not to play for Saints and win it was Andy Farrell in 2004. He is one of three players to have won it more than once, with Farrell also securing the prize in 1996 while Paul Sculthorpe is the only player to have won it back to back in 2001 and 2002. Only Ellery Hanley has won it three times, 1985, 1987 and 1989, the last two he did playing for Wigan and Bradford before that.

So who will claim this year's award? Well if it were up to me I would pick James Graham. The ginger prop has had a never-back-down attitude similar to Jamie Peacock all year. In fact there are times I would say he has outplayed the England captain, especially last time the two sides met. As much as I respect Peacock, because he is an inspirational player and national captain, I do think Graham has excelled himself.

So where does this leave Leon Pryce? Well, the lads done good, but trying to compare him to a prop forward is like comparing Huddersfield Underbank to a football club. You can't do it because they are two different players. However, I do think Pryce has a very good case to win. His playing style is similar to McGuire, only much better. He is there when teammates make a break and he is there in support on the inside of Long or Cunningham everytime.

I think Graham will win, but either way the award is going to a Saints player...again.