WIGAN full-back Bevan French has beaten two Saints players to the Rugby League Writers' and Broadcasters' Association player of the year for 2020.

Saints prop Alex Walmsley and full-back Lachlan Coote were the nearest rivals to French, who is short-listed for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award which will be announced on Monday.

The 24-year-old Australian has enjoyed a stellar first full season in Super League, scoring 13 tries in 18 games to play a key role in Wigan's run to the Grand Final.

French is the overwhelming recipient of the Raymond Fletcher Memorial Trophy, which was won in 2019 by his current Wigan team-mate Jackson Hastings.

RLWBA chairman Trevor Hunt said: “Its been the darkest of times but Bevan French has typified the spirit of Rugby League with some outstanding performances to lift the gloom and spark Wigan to the League leaders Shield and Betfred Grand Final, claiming over 70% of the vote to become the RLWBA Player of the Year."