Man of Steel Contenders: Jake Connor

Jake Connor is a talent. There’s no question about that. He is a player capable of executing game-changing pieces of skill that others cannot replicate.

There has been some debate about Connor’s best position - he has filled in effortlessly in the halves for Hull FC and represented both England and Great Britain at centre. This year however, he has starred in the full back position.

After deputising at full back for the latter part of 2020, Connor was given the number one shirt ahead of 2021. He took little time to assert himself in his new and permanent role during a superb first outing in round one against the Giants.

In fact, he’s had a substantial impact for the Black & Whites all season. Connor finished with try contributions from his first 12 games this season – setting up a colossal 20 tries and scoring five. In those 12 games, Hull FC scored 46 tries – meaning the talented full back contributed to over half of his sides four pointers.

Connor & Swift combine ??@hullfcofficial are level against the Rhinos live on @Skysportsrl ??#SuperLeague #SLLeeHul pic.twitter.com/RetrYR1JWi
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 23, 2021

After picking up a knee injury whilst on international duty for the Combined Nations All Stars, Connor spent several weeks on the sideline. During that time, the Black & Whites managed to win just one game from five and lacked a distinct amount of creativity due of Connor’s absence.

His influence on the Hull side was once again highlighted during his return to action. In fiercely competitive derby against neighbours Hull KR, Connor’s brilliance shone through – he had a hand in three of their four tries and visibly revitalised a desperate Hull side.

Unfortunately for the Black & Whites, their season quickly deteriorated, but Connor’s impact cannot be understated. He finished second in try assists across Super League - trailing only to Catalans Dragons Josh Drinkwater - who played five more games than the Black & Whites full back.

Jake Connor 🤯@hullfcofficial extend their advantage live on Sky Sports Arena#MagicWeekend #SuperLeague #SLLeeHul pic.twitter.com/mhHfVyrrX7
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 4, 2021

Connor is the lynchpin to Hull FC’s attack and is never far away from anything they do well going forward. His pass selection, ability to create space for the players around him and his competitive nature make him a constant threat.

Add to that his game awareness and knowledge, and he is one of a few players with all the assets to become one of the best in Betfred Super League.

Despite Hull FC’s underwhelming finish to 2021, there could yet be a silver lining come Monday Night. Jake Connor is firmly in the picture to become just the second Hull FC player to win the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award.