WARRINGTON Wolves could be about to have their first winner of the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel prize since 1994.

Blake Austin is on the final five-man shortlist for Super League's top individual honour after a stellar first year in England.

If he wins, he will become the first Warrington player to win the award in the Super League era.

Jonathan Davies was the last Wire winner, with Ken Kelly also taking home the prize in 1981.

Austin faces competition from St Helens full-back Lachlan Coote, Salford Red Devils scrum-half Jackson Hastings, Castleford Tigers prop Liam Watts and Wigan Warriors stand-off George Williams for the award.

The winner will be announced at the Betfred Super League Awards night on October 6.

The system for choosing Super League's stand-out player has changed this year - a panel of expert judges have been awarding points to the top three performers in every Super League game this season.

That panel is chaired by Ellery Hanley MBE - the only man to win the Man of Steel award three times.

“The panellists have been lucky to have witnessed first-hand some exceptional performances this season," he said.

“I have often watched games back before awarding points at the matches I’ve been judging and that has helped me appreciate even more the range of skill and determination of so many players.

“The five guys in contention have been pivotal to their team’s success this season and for that they deserve recognition.

“But only one person can win and we look forward to finding out who that is at the Super League Awards next month."