YORK City Knights Ladies star Tara Stanley would be a worthy winner of the Woman of Steel, according to Lindsay Anfield.

Stanley joined York from Castleford Tigers in the off-season and the full-back has had a sizeable impact since for the Knights, who secured a maiden League Leaders' Shield in the Betfred Women's Super League on Sunday.

The England full-back has scored 18 tries, 52 goals and one field-goal from just 12 appearances in her debut season.

Last month, Forty20 TV asked four England internationals who their Woman of Steel would be, with the entire quartet shortlisting Stanley.

"I'd definitely agree with them," said York director of rugby Anfield.

“For me, the definition of Woman of Steel is the player that’s made the biggest impression on a team.

“I think that Tara has brought us through in a lot of games and scored a lot of points for us.

"Plus, she’s entertained the crowds at the same time.

“In my opinion, there’s no other player in the league that’s doing those things.”

Stanley is best noted for her elusive footwork. Her remarkable step to score late in the first half in the 22-14 win at Leeds Rhinos last weekend from a standing start 10m out was a primary example of just that.

“She’s playing with confidence and she’s enjoying her time here at York," added Anfield.

"She works really hard at her game and there’s still a few things in her game that we’ve looked at that she can improve on.

“Her running game is obvious, but she needs to improve her passing game and her decision-making.

“But at the end of the day, she’s got a super-power in terms of what she does with her feet. So I guess you’ve got to roll with that.”

Anfield also hailed Stanley's impact as a leader at the Knights.

“When Tara’s mind is really focused, she’s a really good communicator and role model to the rest of the girls," said the York chief.

“She influences the team a lot. At the start against Leeds, her and Peachy (Sinead Peach) were quite quiet and nervous and that’s when Leeds got on top.

“As soon as those two really stepped up and started controlling the game, I think everyone followed them.”