Chase Named Man of Steel

Castleford Tigers stand-off Rangi Chase has been named superleague "Man of Steel" for 2011.

Chase Named Man of Steel

Castleford Tigers stand-off Rangi Chase has been named superleague "Man of Steel" for 2011.

The 25 year old New Zealander beat off competition from Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins and St Helen's hooker James Roby to lift the most treasured individual honour in the sport.

Chase lifted the award after winning the most closeley contested poll of Super League players, who have determined who wins the award for the last four years.

"I was shocked,'' Chase said. "I wasn't expecting it, the way Sam Tomkins and James Roby had played this year. It's unbelievable for me.

"I was overwhelmed to get into the last three. I said 'that will do for me. If I do win, it would be an absolute bonus'. I'm over the moon.

"It's been a good year for me. I'm certainly getting better. I'm more mature as a player. This year was being about being consistent, that was my goal and I think I did it. Next year I've got to set new targets.

"Hopefully my best is yet to come. I'll keep pushing myself and challenging myself to be a better player.''

Chase is now set to line up alongside Tomkins and Roby in the Four Nations Series which starts later this month after qualifying for England on the three-year residency rule.