ENGLAND prop forward James Graham maintained St Helens' dominance of rugby league's top individual award on Tuesday night when he was named the 2008 engage Super League Man of Steel.

The 23-year-old emerged top of a poll of Super League players who determined the winner of the prestigious award for the first time.

Also shortlisted were St Helens stand-off Leon Pryce and Leeds forward Jamie Peacock, who like Graham will feature in Saturday's Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Graham, who was recently voted as player of the year by the Rugby League Writers Association, received his trophy and a cheque for £5,000 at a gala dinner in Manchester.

He becomes the seventh St Helens player to be crowned Man of Steel in the last nine years, emulating the feat of James Roby (2007), Paul Wellens (2006), Jamie Lyon (2005), Sean Long (2000) and Paul Sculthorpe (2001 and 2002).

"It's fantastic news for James," said St Helens coach Daniel Anderson.

"To do what he's done this year is exceptional. He's been tremendous for us and deserves the honour."

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