Wigan’s Sam Tomkins crowned Man of Steel (From St Helens Star)

Wigan’s Sam Tomkins crowned Man of Steel

10:42pm Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport

WIGAN’S Sam Tomkins has pipped Warrington’s Ben Westwood and Saints’ James Roby to the prestigious 2012 Man of Steel title.

The 23-year-old England full back became the ninth different Wigan player to win the award when it was announced at Old Trafford Cricket Ground this evening.

The award reflects impact upon a season and is decided by a vote among all Super League players.

Tomkins’ elusive running gave an added dimension to a Wigan team that finished top of Super League, reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and the last four of the play-offs.

Uncompromising Westwood helped Warrington to win the Challenge Cup for the third time in four years, finish second in the table as well as reach the Super League Grand Final for the first time with the weekend’s win against St Helens at Langtree Park.

As an 80-minute performer Roby has been influential in a Saints time that finished third in the table and reached the last four of the play-offs after overcoming a poor start to the season that included the loss of coach Royce Simmons.

Wigan were voted club of the year, Zak Hardaker the young player and Mick Potter is the coach of the year.