Terry Newton reckons Bulls team-mate Steve Menzies would be a worthy winner of Super League’s Man of Steel.

The Australian recruit has been a revelation since signing from Manly Sea Eagles.

Despite Bradford’s inconsistent start to the campaign, the former Kangaroo is proving a huge hit.

Newton believes he is an early runner to take the prestigious award handed out to the competition’s top player.

“I’ve been around a long time and played with some great teams and great players but Beaver’s up there with the best of them,” said the England hooker.

“You put him in the same category as people like Andy Farrell. I think he might even be above players like that, he’s that good.

“Its always easy to stand out in a top side but we’ve not been playing that well at times this year. Yet Beaver has been up there still playing great week in, week out.

“To be able to do that is something very special. He’s got all the skills and could easily win Man of Steel if he carries on like this.”

Many doubters feared that, given his age – Menzies turns 36 in July – the silky second-row would be past his best after a magnificent NRL career.

But the leading try-scoring forward in Australian history has continued his amazing feats over here, already bagging seven touchdowns.

His legendary footwork is still as dazzling as ever, while Newton admits he has been stunned by some of the player’s defensive hits.

“People who talk about his age don’t know much about rugby,” said Newton.

“If you’re good enough, what’s it matter if you’re 36, 37 or 38 as long as you’re playing well. If you turn up on the field and kill them like Beaver does, who cares?

“He’s not really known for his defence because of his try-scoring ability but if you watch any of his games this season, he’s got everything.

“He can pass the ball, defend great and comes up with the little plays at the right time that make a big difference.

“He’s up there with Super League’s leading try-scorers and definitely adds so much to this Bradford side, not only on the field but off it too.”

Much has been made of the impact Menzies can have on the club’s budding youngsters but Newton, 30, says the more experienced players are thriving around him equally so.

“He’s helping players like myself and Deacs and we’re learning stuff off him every day,” said the former Wigan star.

“Beaver’s great to be around the place and I hope he’s here a couple more years too.

“I think he’s still learning the game as well. He’s coming up with new things in every match and surprising everybody.”

Newton was in the Leeds Rhinos side when Iestyn Harris scooped the Man of Steel award in 1998 and featured alongside Wigan great Farrell when the Great Britain skipper charged to success with his brilliant 2004 campaign.

The following season was the last time an Aussie took the coveted title, when Menzies’ former Manly team-mate Jamie Lyon ripped up Super League in St Helens colours.

It has stayed at Knowsley Road ever since, with Great Britain internationals Paul Wellens, James Roby and James Graham bagging it in the intervening years, while only three Bradford players have previously succeeded: Ellery Hanley (1985), James Lowes (1997) and Jamie Peacock (2003).

Newton said: “I hope Beaver goes on and gets it. He’s still just behind me but he’s got a shot!”