We've just seen universal acclaim for the last Wigan Vs Saints game, with praise for the overall standard and intensity.

We've got a replay in just a few days, which will showcase a number of players who the wider RL world (NRL) actually respect. Guys like Hastings, French and Walmsley + the retirement of two legends of the game.

Would it have been too much to ask that, in this most crucial of weeks, we could have given it to Walmsley? The potential to add some hyperbole is one we've truly missed. Talk him up as the MOS, the best prop in the world etc. Tell all the press who will cover the MOS that he was missing for the last derby game and now it's game on this Friday.

The only thing certain about RL is that it can always be counted upon to shoot itself in the foot at just the right time.

He’s a very good player Paul McShane but he’s not been as good this season as he has been in some previous seasons. I feel harsh criticising his win, as I really do rate him but it’s a cast iron sign that the system isn’t working. I blame the players for making a mockery of what should’ve been the right way to judge it.

Big fish small pond

I think we need to remember that his early season form was outstanding. He was leading the points-based system by quite some way, and his points were coming against the top teams (Wigan, St Helens, Warrington). With everything that’s happened, it’s easy to forget that the season existed before Covid, and he was outstanding in that part of the year.
Since then he’s picked up points as our standout player. I don’t think he has been the best since the re-start (I’d say that has been Bevan French), but he’s still been very good every week.
If the award was just for performances since lockdown, I would say French has been better. But as a season overall, I think McShane!s early-season form and his consistency (in a fairly poor team) has earned him the award.

I think you’re pushing it with some of those but I think without doubt for me French, Farrell, Walmsley, Coote and Tomkins have been better.

I like McShane, good solid player but he hasn't been the best player in the league this season. Nowhere near. As someone else pointed out. He has been better in previous seasons.

I think all those players have out performed McShane on a regular basis. Not saying they are MOS worth but have been better. If i had to take my Wigan glasses off and it had to be another sides player i would have given it to Coote without hesitation. Fair play to McShane though and congratulations i suppose.

what a farce, biggest personal award of the season and it is picked that way...

When players say ‘I couldn’t have won this award without my teammates’, it couldn’t be any more fitting in this case. They’ve been bad enough to allow him to hoover enough points up. It isn’t Paul McShanes fault that the system is totally flawed. He’s had a good year, no doubt about it but he’s absolutely not been the best player in the league. He’s had a couple of better seasons himself.

He also seems to forget they would have have either been told he had won and so said he deserved to win (hardly going to say “how the f*** has he won” are they) or will have recorded a message for all eventualities.

As I said in a text message- good player but easy to stand out in a e side.
See Denis Moran.

Oh, and I dont think Barrett should have won in 07 either.

Some stats that sum it up rather nicely IMO

Paul McShane

2020

2 try’s and 8 assists

2019

1 try and 19 assists

2018

8 try’s and 27 assists

2017

3 try’s and 19 assists

Now I know he’s played fewer games but he’s clearly had a less effective season that some of his others. If there was an award for having a consistently good 4 or 5 seasons, the lad deserves that but sadly this is an award for 2020’s best player.

just shows he was robbed in previous years

Would this be the same early season when French and Farrell were also outstanding for the team that entered lockdown in first position? You over emphasise the fact that he was good for you and not necessarily better than French or Farrell. He was leading the points race for exactly the same reasons pointed out elsewhere.

Since lockdown, when twice the number of games have been played than pre lockdown, he hasn't come close to French or Farrell (or the other nominees for that matter). I like McShane but MOS? Come on! Not even a died in the wool Cas fan such as yourself can believe he deserves it for being as good as the others for half a dozen games but not quite as good for almost two thirds of the season, surely?

Over who?

Roby, Hodgson and Powell are all far superior to him imo.