Mick Potter’s dedication to Bradford was recognised this week when his fellow coaches voted him Super League coach of the year.

The Australian stayed on at Odsal in a voluntary capacity after being made redundant in July and would have taken the Bulls to the play-offs for the first time in four years had the club not been docked six points for going into administration.

Potter, 49, has since quit the English game after seven seasons and returned home.

He has stated his desire to become an NRL head or assistant coach.

Sam Tomkins claimed the Super League’s coveted Man of Steel award, the competition’s player of the season prize.

Tomkins received the trophy at an awards night in Manchester from Tour de France cycling champion Bradley Wiggins.

The 23-year-old Wigan fullback said he was thrilled to win the award but would swap it for the chance to play in the Super League grand final.

Tomkins won the award ahead of St Helens hooker James Roby and Warrington second-row forward Ben Westwood in a secret ballot of his fellow Super League players.

“It’s a massive honour. There were some great players nominated. Ben Westwood has been outstanding as James Roby is every single year,” Tomkins said.

“It was an honour to be nominated and to pick it up is pretty special. You always want to impress your peers and there are some big names who have publicly voted for me.

“When someone of the stature of Jamie Peacock, who is a living legend of the game, says he voted for you it’s humbling.

“I’d swap it for a grand final appearance if I’m honest but it makes it a little bit easier.”

Tomkins missed last Friday’s semi-final defeat to Leeds due to a knee injury.

Leeds fullback Zak Hardaker was named young player of the year, while Wigan were named club of the year.