Zak Hardaker has become the first Leeds Rhinos player in 17 years to win the Super League Man of Steel after leading the club to the 2015 grand final.

The full-back has been the Rhinos' best this season, with the club on the verge of completing a treble, having already won the Challenge Cup and league leaders' shield.

Hardaker took out the prestigious award on Monday in Manchester, with the grand final set to take place at Old Trafford on Saturday when the Rhinos face the Wigan Warriors.

Wigan's George Williams was named Super League's young player of the year – an award Hardaker picked up in 2012.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott, who is preparing for a third grand final in five years, was also recognised at the event by taking out the coach of the year award.

McDermott praised Hardaker but admits the 23-year-old has some way to go to fill the boots of his predecessor Brent Webb.

"Zak's probably not there up with Brent Webb, where it was almost like having another half on the field, yet as a full-back but in terms of determination and showing up in the big games, I don't see another fella, certainly in his position," McDermott said.

"He's relentless, he shows up week in week out and it's on the biggest stage where he seems to do it as well. He's a tough competitor and he can hold his nerve.

"Full-back is an isolated position and when the ball goes up under heavy traffic, he normally comes up with the goods."