What is the Man of Steel award?

The Man of Steel recognises the season's outstanding player, judged on influence, consistency and match-defining contributions rather than raw flair alone.

Why has Connor moved back to the top of the shortlist?

Connor’s recent sequence of clutch performances, improved all-round metrics and leadership in key games has convinced voters he is the most influential player currently in the race.

Is Connor guaranteed to win?

Not yet — he’s the favourite if he keeps this level, but award races hinge on narratives and late-season form, so challengers can still upset the odds.

Connor Climbs Back to the Summit — The Guru Names the Favourite for Man of Steel

Connor has reclaimed the top spot on this year’s Man of Steel shortlist after a run of performances that married individual brilliance with decisive leadership. The return to form has not been gradual or hidden; it has been emphatic, and it has reshaped the narrative of the award race.

What stands out is not only the sparkle of tries and line breaks, but the quieter metrics: control of tempo, defensive reads and late-game influence that turn draws into wins. Those are the kinds of contributions voters respect when the season is measured in moments rather than headlines.

Several contenders remain — younger, flashier names who galvanise crowds — yet none have matched Connor’s combination of consistency and clutch impact across difficult fixtures. The selection process always carries stories as much as statistics, and Connor’s mid-season resurgence now tells the most convincing one.

The Guru’s verdict is clear: keep your money on Connor if he sustains this level for another month; voters love a return-to-form narrative and consistency will seal it. My recommendation to the panel is simple — reward the player who changes matches week in, week out, not the one who merely dazzles occasionally; Connor fits that bill.