Man of Steel Contenders: Jake Connor

2025 has seen the evolution of Jake Connor, and that’s why he’s in the running for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award.

He took many by surprise when he joined the Rhinos ranks from Huddersfield Giants, but he’s been their signing of the season without a shred of a doubt.

The 30-year-old has been enjoying arguably the best season of his career at Leeds Rhinos and has well and truly evolved under the guidance of head coach Brad Arthur.

Tough love, sheer perseverance and a drive to succeed has led him to stardom this year, and from day dot, Connor has relished the playmaking responsibility of the stand-off position, which has helped drive the Rhinos to their first top four finish since 2017.

Mercurial Connor has been playing with a smile on his face, and in turn has been hugely influential in the Rhinos’ pursuit of restoring glimpses of glory days.

Jake Connor is on the end of some lovely @leedsrhinos attack ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/SgMdCqtfb8

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 21, 2025

He’s been a real leader of Leeds Rhinos in 2025 – and fans have become accustomed to seeing a much calmer and more composed version of Jake Connor when he has taken to the field.

Leeds have been one of the league’s chief entertainers all year and have Mr. Consistent to massively thank for that.

He’s been in superb form for the Rhinos, masterfully pulling the strings in the halves with Brodie Croft and creating chances out of virtually nothing.

Whether it’s moments of individual brilliance or being a terrific team player, Connor has delivered on his promise to be the best he could be, and this has been evident in his weekly performances.

Jake Connor continues his fine form ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/0lPKfgtc8d

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 14, 2025

Connor has also received deserved recognition for this – highlighted through back-to-back nominations for Glen’s Vodka Player of the Month in May and June – where he picked up June’s majority vote.

And let’s not forget the countless Sky Sports’ Player of the Match medals he has picked up along the way.

Jake Connor with a perfect read ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/vQY8DF3JPI

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 30, 2025

In what has been an outstanding season individually, Connor finished as the third top points scorer on 181.

He's also second in try assisting charts with 30 assists and has scored an additional seven tries and kicked 76 goals.

Establishing themselves as genuine contenders once again, the Rhinos beat every team in the top six at some point throughout the year, and subsequently booked their first Super League Play-Off home tie since 2017.

Sadly, Leeds fell agonisingly short in the Eliminators last Saturday, with St Helens snatching victory on the final play.

A semi-final appearance came so close yet so far. It's one that will hurt for a while as the club's season comes to an end, but putting this aside, it’s been a truly remarkable year to remember for the Rhinos.

If Connor wins the coveted award next Tuesday, he will become the fifth Leeds player to do so, and the first since Zak Hardaker in 2015.

A standout performer in this year’s Super League, Connor also debuted in the 2025 Dream Team, alongside his teammate James McDonnell.

On playing alongside Connor, McDonnell said: 

“He’s a touch of class. He’s miles away from anything I’m capable of, although I’m sure there are a few things I do that he appreciates too!

“He really rewards us forwards – there have been plenty of times this year where we’ve been in a tough spot and he’s pulled a 40/20 or something out of his back pocket.

“He’s just got the ability to do that.”

Connor confidently topped the Man of Steel leaderboard board at the halfway point before the published votes went dark, but has he gone all the way?

The @StevePrescott1 MBE Man of Steel Leaderboard as we pass the halfway point ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/cf4B44jgPc

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 18, 2025

The 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel will be crowned at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday October 7 – in the build-up to the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 11.

The Awards Night will again celebrate the inclusivity of Rugby League with the outstanding players of the Betfred Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues also recognised – with the Woman of Steel and Wheels of Steel awards – in a ceremony which also includes Betfred Championship and League One.