Man of Steel Sculthorpe signs new Saints deal

Paul Sculthorpe pledged his long-term future to St Helens on the same day that he became the first player to win the game's most prestigious individual award twice running.

The Great Britain international has ended speculation about a switch to rugby union by signing a three-year extension to the remaining two years of his contract. "There is no better place to be in world rugby than Saints," said Sculthorpe, who will play in the Super League Grand Final against Bradford at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The signing – and that of the Australian winger, Darren Albert, for another three years – is perfectly timed as that big occasion looms and Saints are understandably jubilant. "I would rate Paul Sculthorpe as the best all-round athlete in British sport at the moment," said his chairman, Eamonn McManus. "I challenge any other sport to produce a more outstanding candidate."

As if to underline his current standing, Sculthorpe was last night celebrating becoming the first player to win the Man of Steel award, for the individual making the greatest impact on the season, two years running. The award has been in existence for 25 years, so Sculthorpe's selection, despite a strong challenge from Wigan's Adrian Lam, gives him a special place in the game's honours list. Lam has the consolation of being voted Players' Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

Richard Horne, of Hull, was named as Young Player of the Year, with Neil Kelly's feat in taking Widnes to the brink of the play-offs in their first year in Super League recognised by the Coach of the Year award.

Castleford have signed the Wakefield prop, Paul Jackson, on a two-year deal.

The New Zealand tourists have flown into Britain without three selected players. Having already lost their winger, Matt Utai, who is having surgery, the Kiwis arrived yesterday without Francis Meli and Andrew Lomu.

Meli, another wing-man, has had problems with his visa and Lomu, a forward, has gone to Sydney for a scan on a shoulder injury. Both are expected to catch up with the main party in time for their first match, against Hull next Tuesday.

Two Leigh players, Andrew Isherwood and Jon Roper, have been ordered to appear at the Rugby League's disciplinary committee over alleged high tackles in their club's defeat by Huddersfield in the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final.

TETLEY'S SUPER LEAGUE AWARDS: Man of Steel: Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens). Coach of the Year: Neil Kelly (Widnes). Runners-up: Brian Noble (Bradford), Stuart Raper (Wigan).Young Player of the Year: Richard Horne (Hull). Runners-up: Mark Calderwood (Leeds), Waine Pryce (Castleford). Players' Player: Adrian Lam (Wigan). Runners-up: Paul Sculthorpe, Dennis Moran (London). Referee of the year: Russell Smith (Castleford). Runners-up: Steve Ganson (St Helens), Bob Connolly (Wigan). Top tryscorer: Dennis Moran. Hit Man (most tackles): Malcolm Alker (Salford). Metre Maker (most metres gained): Terry O'Connor (Wigan).