In the running

Saints' James Roby the early 12/1 favourite with Sky Bet to claim a second Man of Steel title.

St Helens hooker James Roby is the early 12/1 favourite with Sky Bet to claim a second Man of Steel title in 2014. Roby, whose 2013 campaign has been ravaged by injury, is joined at the head of the market by some familiar faces in Leeds Rhinos duo Kevin Sinfield (14/1) and Jamie Peacock, a nominee for this year's award, who is a 16/1 chance. "Roby has been a real star of Super League in recent seasons and if he can stay clear of injury next season he is sure to be a massive influence on the competition in 2014," said Sky Bet's Nigel Askham.

Stiff competition

"But he faces stiff competition as usual from the likes of the highly consistent Sinfield and Peacock and some big things are expected from several new overseas recruits including Wigan-bound back-rower Eddy Pettybourne, Warrington's prop recruit from South Sydney, Roy Asotasi, and powerful Melbourne centre Junior Sa'u who is heading for Salford." Mercurial half-back Rangi Chase, a previous winner of the prestigious award in 2011, is a 20/1 shot following his move from Castleford to join the new-look Salford Red Devils. This year's Man of Steel, Danny Brough, is a 25/1 shot to become only the second man to win the crown in successive years following in the footsteps of St Helens forward Paul Sculthorpe who claimed the crown in 2001 and 2002.

---

Sky Bet Free Bet Club: £10 free bet - £5 free every week

---