Tomkins named Man of Steel

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins has been crowned Super League Man of Steel at a glittering awards ceremony in Manchester.

The England international, twice a winner of the young-player-of-the-year award, won the prestigious prize ahead of St Helens hooker James Roby and Warrington second row forward Ben Westwood.

Both Tomkins and Roby, who won the award in 2007, were short-listed for the award last season but lost out to Rangi Chase, the Castleford and England half-back. This time Tomkins emerged top of a secret ballot of his fellow Super League players as the man deemed to have made the biggest impact on the season.

Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker was named young player of the year after a hugely impressive first full season in Super League in which he will cap an ever-present record in Saturday's Grand Final against Warrington.

The 20-year-old former Featherstone player was at centre in last year's Grand Final win over St Helens but has deputised so superbly for injured full-back Brent Webb that he is set to keep the spot next season.

Hardaker was chosen by a specially convened panel ahead of Bradford second rower John Bateman and St Helens centre Josh Jones, the others on the shortlist.

Mick Potter's dedication to Bradford was recognised when he was named Super League coach of the year.

The Australian stayed on at Odsal in a voluntary capacity after being made redundant by the club's administrators in July and would have taken the Bulls to the play-offs for the first time in four years had the club not been docked six points for breaching the Rugby Football League's solvency regulations.

Potter, who has returned home to Australia to seek a new job after turning down the offer of a new contract from the new Bradford club, was chosen by a ballot of the other 13 Super League coaches.

Former England captain Jamie Peacock, who will make a record 10th Grand Final appearance on Saturday, received the Mike Gregory State of Rugby League Award for lifetime achievement.