Over previous seasons McShane is better than Powell. But this year Powell has been better.

Powell has 15 tries & assists (vs McShane's 10), he had made 100 more tackles, 50 more marker tackles, and missed 38 fewer tackles than McShane. That's pretty conclusive for me.

and helped a team finish the top of the league

And going back a bit I remember walking out of a test match in Bolton to see GB "fans" singing a derogatory song about Andy Farrell.

This is an award for being the best this season. Don't you think making excuses as to why he hasn't been, by definition, means you think he shouldn't have won it? It's like saying give it to Dom Manfredi as he could be the best in the comp if it weren't for injuries. That doesn't make any sense, Brian.

Perfectly put.

I'd also say that, for whatever and across most sports, I find club competitions more appealing than internationals. Give me a Wigan Vs Saints or a European semi final at Anfield over any international fixture (I'm not even a LFC fan either). The tribalism just seems a bit fake when you compare it - we're supposed to get stuck into the NZ rugby team, when I reality I'd rather cheer for guys like RTS or JWH Vs some of the players in England shirts.

I don’t understand this but each to their own I suppose. I was lucky enough to grow up watching Wigan win everything in the late 80’s early 90’s. when you’re in your teens that’s all you care about.

There’s only 1 thing i desperately want to see in RL now. A England/GB win in an ashes series or ideally a Wold Cup. I would happily trade several Wigan GF/CC wins for it.

Yet again, the Man of Steel Award has gone to a player who stands out in a poor team instead of a player who stands out in a good team.

Hardly surprising seeing that they were both born in Leeds.

Nowt like picking your own!

I don’t understand this either.

Some of my greatest memories growing up we’re going watching GB v Australia/NZ at a packed house. Some of the best days/nights out I’ve had as an adult are going to the same games. Wigan v Saints is good, no doubt but give me GB/England v Australia/NZ at a packed stadia any day.

Each to their own I suppose

I’ve watched a few highlights recently of old test matches vs the Aussies and it just brings the memories flooding back. The feel around those games are all like Grand Final nights for me, I absolutely love them. Mike Greg’s try down under, that Davies try at Wembley, Faz on fire at Old Trafford, The Mason/Peacock punch up and Raynor’s winner, Sculthorpe diving in to seal the game in Huddersfield, Morley getting sent off at the DW and on and on. The lack of games we’ve had against the Aussies over the past decade has been scandalous. Nothing could be done about this years series but I can’t wait for nights like those again.

Like you said, each to their own. We all like different things and international RL just doesn't do it for me.