Blease proud of Man of Steel Connor as he thrives in Rhinos camp

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease hails “perfect fit” as Connor joins illustrious list of club greats

Leeds Rhinos are delighted to congratulate Jake Connor on being named the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel for the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

In his first year with the Rhinos, Connor has been an inspirational figure both on and off the field, leading from the front with his creativity, skill and commitment. His performances have captured the imagination of fans across the league and helped drive the team’s strong campaign under Head Coach Brad Arthur.

Reflecting on the achievement, Sporting Director Ian Blease told the Leeds Rhinos Podcast that he always believed Connor could thrive in a Leeds shirt. “I could have believed that Jake would have done as well as he has when we first signed him,” Blease said. “We actually spoke about how, if he could break into the team, he is the sort of player who could go on and win Man of Steel. I knew what he could come and do. It was about putting him on the right stage, in the right club. He’s played well previously, but I think the Rhinos is just perfect for Jake and I'm really pleased for him and his family.”

Blease, who previously oversaw Jackson Hastings and Brodie Croft winning the Man of Steel award during his time at Salford Red Devils, said Connor’s success follows a familiar pattern of players flourishing when given the right environment. “When I think back, Jackson and Brodie were players who I signed who were keen to prove a point, and both went on to win the Man of Steel. It’s similar with Jake — he’s at the right club, surrounded by the right people, and he’s shown everyone just how special he can be.”

Blease praised the Rhinos’ coaching staff for their role in ensuring Connor delivered consistently throughout the season. “The coaching staff have done a really good job managing him to make sure every week he is on point with everything he does,” he added. “Brad, Jamie, Scott and Chev have all done really well in enabling him to perform, and I think we’ve all seen how much we missed him when he didn’t play.”

Connor’s ability to lift the crowd and produce moments of brilliance, Blease said, made him a deserving winner of the competition’s top individual honour. “This award has always been for the player who has the biggest impact on the competition, and Jake’s certainly done that. Every time he gets the ball you can feel AMT Headingley lift, or if we’re away, you can hear the fans wondering what he’s going to do next. He’s produced some truly special plays this season.”

Away from the pitch, Connor has made a strong impression through his community work, including coaching at his local club Siddal, something Blease says reflects the player’s true character. “He’s a great guy and I know he gets a bit of bad publicity here and there, but I find him a really good human being,” Blease said. “He’s done a great job with Siddal and it’s fantastic to see him succeed here in his first year.”

Blease concluded by placing Connor’s achievement in the context of Leeds Rhinos’ proud history. “He should be very proud to become only the fifth Leeds player to win the Man of Steel award,” he said. “There are some great names he follows — absolute legends of this club — and Jake is now forging his own name within that group. Long may it continue.”

Connor joins an elite group of Leeds Rhinos players to have won the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, underlining both his individual brilliance and the collective progress of the club in 2025.