Connor can use Tomkins winning Man of Steel as motivation

THERE were no surprises at Monday’s Super League end of season awards as Sam Tomkins picked up the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel accolade.

Tomkins is a worthy winner after a remarkable season with Catalans.

He has won the award before but he was the best in the competition again this season and few would have had complaints, including those shortlisted players who lost out on the prize, Gareth Widdop, Jordan

Abdull, Jonny Lomax and Hull FC’S Jake Connor.

Connor probably knew he was going to be an outsider, given how the two clubs’ seasons differed.

However, while the FC full-back should take pride in the fact he was recognised as one of the most impressive performers this year, missing out could also give him added motivation to raise his game.

The 26-year-old built a reputation as one of the most influential players in the competition, but watching Tomkins pick up the plaudits probably wouldn’t have sat comfortably with him.

Tomkins has pipped him to a spot in the England squad, is expected to be Shaun Wane’s pick in a couple of weeks and was recognised as the competition’s best full-back with a spot in the Dream Team last month.

As such, Connor will approach the new season with something of a point to prove to those outside of

Hull that he is as good as Tomkins, if not better.

The GB international had a huge impact on FC this year, picking up 22 assists and six tries and making Hull tick from the full-back spot.

If Connor can help his side make the necessary strides forward to appear in the biggest games, the personal accolades will come and who knows, he might just be able to catch Wane’s eye ahead of next year’s World Cup, too.