Do players have to vote or can they abstain ?

Only three players that deserve a look in for MOS. They are Tomkins, Michael Monaghan and Roby. If MOS is voted by the players then Monaghan still has a chance. For me, Roby deserves the award though. He has carried Saints through most of this season and the stats don't lie. Tomkins will probably get it, but I don't want him to. Great player, but you can't stand him as a player.

Rangi Chase IMO, is over-rated, as others have picked up on. One of those players who are very inventive. Some games they get the rub of the green and everything comes off for them, others, it doesn't and they're a liability and can cause their side a lot of problems. When he's performed, Rangi Chase has been impressive, there's no denying that, but IMO, a player who has been as inconsistent as he has doesn't deserve MOS.

Shame for MonaghanM, but the players will make their choice...ho-hum

As I've said a couple of times in the last few weeks in similar threads, I'd rather him win the Harry Sunderland trophy on October 8th, to join another Australian legend in Warrington's history....Les Boyd

That would be truly fitting

Did nobody hear Brian Carney about this when we played Wigan? I think it was Clarke or Eddeh who said Sam Tomkins was a shoe in for MOS and Brian said "Maybe, but I'm not convinced how my rugby the players actually watch outside games they play in." And looking at who's nominated I've got to agree. ANYONE who thinks Sam Tomkins is more deserving of the MoS than Monas is barking, for me MoS should be about men who stand up when the team's down, take charge and lead from the front - something I've never seen cry baby do. I'd have Monas and Moz ahead of Tomkins or Chase, they live up the the name Man of Steel, the other two are just flashy.

The problem lies in the name of said title. It's the word steel and all it evokes that most object to. Players' player of the season, is what it is, and if they vote for Tomkins, fair enough, no arguement.

I almost think he deserves it. He has been outstanding for most of the season, but since the semi against us? Well; the best full back in the world has been average, bit like his team. If I were playing against Wigan, I know who I'd be hoping had an off day. I know who I'd be most worried about. Watching Wigan over the last few games, the team have really struggled to reach the hights they can when he's on song. Shows how important he is.

Players' Player of the year, O.K. I'll accept that, but where's the STEEL?

Can't disagree more. You're right he's not impressed since the CC Semi but not for the reasons you give. I think he's been found out. Leeds really showed him up in the CC Final, as did we. A half organised defence really stops him doing anything of note and if there's no broken field infront of him, he's stumped. Compare that to Monas and it's as different as night and day. Monas will turn defeat into victory, Sammy will massage a score line.

I'm not sure why fans get so worked up about MoS. Its a vote amongst players, and I'm sure it's nice to have but I bet Monaghan couldn't care less if he doesn't get it. Leeds won 4 titles without getting it once. No player would trade any winners' medal for MoS.

The players probably didn't vote out of spite. We've bummed every team in SL at one point this season and Monas has embarassed all of them. Bitterness I say,

Looks like Arsenal Al's flag was correct "No one likes us, we don't care"

Players do video review sessions of their opposition and thus are much better placed to have a say in which individual they spend more time in preparing to handle than any other (i.e., the player most likely to cause them problems). They may well not watch games from an entertainment point of view, but they certainly know who of the opposition is a major threat.