Aussie Bevan French wins top Super League award
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Wigan’s Australian half-back Bevan French has been named Super League’s 2023 Steve Prescott Man of Steel.
French received the award at a ceremony in Manchester, becoming the first Wigan player to win it since Sam Tomkins in 2012.
The 27-year-old French will come face to face with Tomkins in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final between Wigan and Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford, which shapes as Mitchell Pearce’s farewell match.
The former Newcastle and Roosters playmaker has announced his retirement with the final being his swansong.
French excelled in his side’s surge to the League Leaders’ Shield, playing at both wing and full-back before belatedly settling on a position in the halves.
He beat St Helens full-back Jack Welsby and Catalans winger Tom Johnstone, who were also short-listed for the award.
York Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach won the Woman of Steel after concluding a superb season by leading her side to victory in the Women’s Grand Final on Sunday.
Leigh’s Adrian Lam won Coach of the Year while London Broncos’ Mike Eccles won the Championship award after leading his side into this week’s Million Pound Game in Toulouse.
PA
