BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Super League’s Man of Steel Danny Houghton is set to miss out on selection for England at this month’s Four Nations.

Competition for spots in the hooking role are fierce with Canberra’s Josh Hodgson set to be named as first choice rake after an incredible season at the Raiders.

Houghton was the winner of the Man of Steel award with the Hull FC veteran beating out teammate Gareth Ellis and Castleford’s Denny Solomona.

But that hasn’t guaranteed Houghton a maiden England jersey with stiff competition from Hodgson, St Helens’ James Roby and Daryl Clark – who was also a short priced favourite for the Man of Steel.

Coach Wayne Bennett is almost certain to start with Hodgson who was a dominant figure in the NRL in 2016 with many predicting him to win the Dally M before it eventually went to Cooper Cronk and Jason Taumalolo while Clark will also be selected according to reports.

Houghton and Roby are set to miss out.

@woodward_curtis