Blake Austin favourite to win 2019 Man of Steel

New Warrington half-back Blake Austin is the pre-season favourite to win the Steve Prescott Man of Steel in 2019.

The format of the award is set to change, as revealed by Super League chief executive Robert Elstone, after there was controversy over the player vote last season.

Competition sponsors Betfred have Austin priced as 8/1 favourite, well clear of second favourite, St Helens hooker James Roby (14/1).

Fellow hookers Paul McShane and Daryl Clark (16/1) are next, followed by Sam Tomkins, Zak Hardaker and Alex Walmsley (all 20/1).

Eye-catching Leeds signings Tui Lolohea and Trent Merrin are 25/1, as is St Helens new boy Lachlan Coote.

Last season’s Dream Team centre pick Bill Tupou is 80/1 as an outside punt, with Salford’s Robert Lui 100/1.

For the full list of odds, click here.