Man of Steel: Luke Gale, Zak Hardaker and Albert Kelly on shortlist

(L-R) Luke Gale, Zak Hardaker and Albert Kelly, whose nominations reflect the dominant seasons their clubs have enjoyed

Castleford backs Luke Gale and Zak Hardaker will go up against Hull FC stand-off Albert Kelly for 2017's Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.

England half-back Gale, 29, and 2015 winner Hardaker, 25, helped the Tigers claim the League Leaders Shield.

Kelly, 26, was a Challenge Cup winner last month as Hull retained the trophy at Wembley against Wigan.

St Helens' Morgan Knowles and Regan Grace plus Wigan centre Oliver Gildart are up for the young player prize.

Gale or Kelly have not been previously nominated for the award, but Hardaker won it two years ago while playing for Leeds Rhinos when he pipped Adam Cuthbertson and Alex Walmsley.

The dominance of Castleford Tigers in the regular season and Super 8s has clearly influenced their two nominations.

Gale, as the creative force, has weighed in with 13 Super League tries, 20 assists, 129 goals and 10 successful 40-20 kicks.

Hardaker from full-back has crossed 11 times, created 18 tries and racked up 3,257 metres.

Kelly, who moved across the city of Hull from Rovers for 2017, is equally as important to Hull with 18 tries, 11 assists and an impressive 513 tackles - the most of any back in the Airlie Birds side.

"He's had a fantastic year," said Hull coach Lee Radford. "I'm over the moon for him. The move has really worked out for him and massively for us.

"There was a lot of talk about him being a risk but he's been phenomenal for us. The group has really taken to him and he's a big part of our squad. He plays and trains with a smile on his face. Hopefully he can go on to win that trophy."

Only four scrum-halves - the last of which was Danny Brough in 2013 - have won the award, while former Tigers favourite Rangi Chase was the last stand-off to take the prize in 2011.

Hardaker was the sixth full-back to take the honour and would be only the fourth player to win the award on multiple occasions if successful.