THREE team-mates are locked in an intriguing battle to land Rugby League's ultimate accolade - the coveted title Man of Steel.

The top Wigan Warriors trio of skipper Andrew Farrell, dynamic hooker Terry Newton and wing flier Brett Dallas are setting the pace to be crowned king.

With Old Trafford starting to loom large on the horizon for the October Grand Final, the race to become Man of Steel becomes equally significant.

Today we analyse the contenders.

Farrell, the fearless Wigan skipper, is automatic choice to succeed Jamie Peacock of Bradford, according to Ray French the former player and current BBC commentator.

Ray said: "Farrell is playing some of the best rugby of his life. He's in superb form.

"Since returning from surgery on his knee he has been a new man, leading from the front and showing immense bravery.

"There have been games in which Wigan could easily have gone under but Farrell has taken the fight to the opposition and inspired the youngsters.

"He is influential on the field and never takes a backward step showing the qualities you instantly look for in a great captain.

"His move up to prop could be a master stroke. This could be his position for years to come and I'd certainly like to see him playing there for GB in the Tri-Nations Series."

Master-stroke

Salford Reds coach Karl Harrison was a player with a hard-man reputation, and he, too, is quick to salute Farrell's form. "I like the way Farrell has rolled up his sleeves and is now playing more of a running game," he said. "He has a big presence whether for Wigan or GB and the way he's playing must spill over for GB against Australia and New Zealand.

"Don't forget many fine players have moved from loose forward to prop."

French has also been impressed with Leeds Rhino's rising star Danny McGuire, another contender. He said: "He's sheer class, great pace, very gifted and has the ability to score tries.

"He's a welcome throwback to some of the great stand-offs we've seen over the years, the natural footballers."

Salford skipper and hooker Mal Alker is one of the game's top tacklers and he singles out Wigan's Terry Newton and Hull packman Paul King as his contenders.

Mal said: "Terry is very strong and he does a lot of good things.

"He also scores a lot of tries and he was in great form at the start of the season when Wigan weren't playing with the kind of consistency they are now showing.

"Paul King has also greatly impressed me. He has a great go-forward game, he drives in strongly and is a key figure in Hull's success."

RFL spokesman John Huxley says the keen competition to be Man of Steel can only be good for the game.

"Standards in Super League are going up every season," he said. "We see some incredibly talented players in action.

Talented

"It's more difficult for players to be stand-out stars now, because quality is again in plentiful supply."

The Saints' challenge for honours will be led by stand-off Jason Hooper, who has had a tremendous season. Sean Long's form in the first half of the season was nothing short of sensational but his ban has severely dented his chances.

Leeds youngster Matt Diskin has impressed many along with Hull's Richard Horne.

One youngster who has made a huge impact is Sean Brisco at Hull on his move from Wigan - he scored four tries in the win at Bradford.

Wigan legend Bill Ashurst is another saluting the impressive form of Farrell but he points to the scoring exploits of Brett Dallas and the power play of hooker Newton.

Bill said: "Farrell is a great skipper playing some great rugby, but this fellow Dallas is a match-winner. He's scored some great tries.

"Newton has been in tremendous form. It's a close one to call, but they can all look back on a fine season."

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