Ben Barba, James Roby and John Bateman nominated for Man of Steel award

Peter Hanson

Ben Barba, James Roby and John Bateman nominated for Man of Steel award image

St Helens duo Ben Barba and James Roby, and Wigan Warriors' John Bateman have been shortlisted for Super League's prestigious Man of Steel award.

Australian star Barba, who will join NRL side North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the season, has been a revelation for Saints this year and sits top of the tries and assists charts in Super League.

Team-mate Roby, the winner of the prize way back in 2007, has excelled since being named captain and helped the club secure the League Leaders' Shield earlier this month.

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Completing the list is Warriors second-rower Bateman, who has lifted the Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Series trophies since joining Wigan in 2015.

Like Barba, Bateman is NRL-bound having agreed to join Canberra Raiders on a two-year deal from the 2019 season.

The Man of Steel Award will be presented on Monday October 8, with the winner succeeding Luke Gale of Castleford Tigers.

Peter Hanson