MAN of Steel just about sums up GB's explosive, tough-as-teak hooker Terry Newton.

It's a fitting label for a lad who is playing out of his skin for home town team Wigan and staking a strong claim to land the game's ultimate solo accolade.

Put your shirt on Newton winning this season's award because his form has been nothing short of sensational and he is a man on a mission.

He said: "I've had the misfortune to lose four Grand Finals at Old Trafford and I want to put the record straight.

"I'm pleased with my form. Things are going well and I wouldn't change places with anyone because playing for Wigan means so much to me as a Wigan lad.

"All my family and friends are from Wigan, and it's always been my style to go out there and give 100 per cent. It's a physical game and you play hard and fair. That is what I've done from being a kid."

Consistent

RL legend Eric Ashton celebrates 50 years in the game next season and he's seen tough competitors come and go. But he says Newton is up there with the best of them. Ashton salutes the hooker's consistency, admires his controlled aggression and says you instantly know what you are going to get from a player respected by his rivals.

Wigan fans say Newton takes the field with a government health warning strapped to his shirt.

As a schoolboy, Newton grew up with Premiership soccer star Andy Griffin, who says: "I now watch Terry playing on TV. He's lost none of his aggression and he always liked to mix it with the best."

Newton says standards have increased in Super League. He adds: "The pace of the game is quicker than ever. Nowadays the likes of Salford, Wakefield and Huddersfield have caught up.

"They, too, have plenty of quality and no way can you take the field thinking victory is a formality. This can only be a good thing."

Newton was reduced to tears in October when Wigan missed out on Grand Final glory.

He somehow slipped through Wigan's net as a youngster and ended up signing for Leeds. "I was playing for Orrell St James. A Leeds scout came to me and I signed for them because they showed an interest," he says.

"I was looking to extend my contract at Leeds when a phone call came out of the blue from Wigan, saying they wanted to sign me.

"I had no hesitation because they were the only club I wanted to play for. Like I say, I wouldn't change places with anyone right now, things are going well.

"We're looking for a big finish and possibly aiming for the Grand Final. I then have the Tri-nations Series to aim for but Wigan come first and there's so much to play for."

Newton realises he is also among a dying breed of rugby league stars. He's definitely one of the game's few genuine characters who admits he enjoys mixing it with the best.

He adds: "I enjoy playing Saints as a clash with Keiron Cunningham tends to bring out the best in me.

"It's just so good to be involved at this level and to see standards increasing all the time - it's a tough physical game but this is what I enjoy and thrive on."

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