Old Trafford sold out for Super League Grand Final

Former Featherstone Rovers full-back Zak Hardaker has beaten off stiff competition to be named the 2015 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.

Hardaker, who was crowned Super League Young Player of the Year in 2012, has been at the heart of Leeds’ attack and defence this year, playing a major role in their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup victory and helping the Rhinos secure the League Leaders trophy, in what has been one of the closest end to a season in 20 years.

The Yorkshire Evening Post honoured rugby league players Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield and Kylie Leuluai as they prepared to step out on to the Headingley turf for their last home game as Leeds Rhinos players.

Although naturally disappointed with the result, I was proud to be involved in a fantastic game of rugby in the Super League semi-finals last Friday.

Supporters can also book their place at Old Trafford via the RFL website but there is only a limited amount left through their website and they are expected to be all gone today (Monday).

He added: “My agent had a little chat with Wigan”. The relationship between (chairman) Mark Campbell and (Leeds chief executive) Gary Hetherington was special and they wanted my career to kick on and not for me to disappear. When the teams came in for me at the time I just thought, ‘Wow, why are they interested in a lad from Fev?’ They’re a great team so it’s a huge challenge for us.

He said: “Everyone goes through dark times as a rugby league player”.

“I am delighted that there will be a full house to watch the game on Saturday between the two top teams in the Super League this year and I can’t wait to watch what promises to be a great event!”

If the same criteria was applied this year the spot would be offered to Huddersfield first, on condition that they come up with a bond which was believed to be in the region of £175,000 last season.

“Everyone has different journeys – a few people don’t have much drama in their lives”.

That is certainly true; looking at the only previous three Leeds players to win it since its inception – David Ward, Garry Schofield and Iestyn Harris – they are all legends but throw in Ellery Hanley, Shaun Edwards, Martin Offiah, Andy Farrell and Paul Sculthorpe and the picture becomes clear. “Hopefully this shows I am doing that and I am a strong character”.

The problem is you usually have another game coming right up to help put your thoughts into practice.

The winners of Saturday night’s Grand Final will play NRL premiers North Queensland Cowboys in the World Club Challenge. It’s a shame that Kev is going to Union but part of me will be glad to see the back of him.