Leeds Rhinos’ pair of playmakers, Jake Connor and Ash Handley, have surged to the very top of the most recent Steve Prescott Man of Steel leaderboard, which evaluates performances from rounds 10 through 18 of the Betfred Super League campaign. Their ascent is particularly notable because neither player appeared on the previous shortlist, highlighting a dramatic swing in form and impact over the past eight fixtures.
Holding the third spot is fellow Rhinos teammate Lachie Miller, who dominated the rankings after the first nine rounds but slipped to third as Connor and Handley’s contributions grew more pronounced. In fourth place sits Wigan Warriors’ tireless hooker Brad O'Neill, whose steady work rate has been a cornerstone of Wigan’s revival this season.
Rounding out the top five is Leigh Centurions’ electrifying centre Umyla Hanley, whose dynamic runs and try‑scoring flair kept him in contention. The rankings are compiled by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Paul Sculthorpe, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon.
Each week the panel trims a ten‑man shortlist down to a final five, using a blend of statistical analysis, match impact and overall consistency to decide who deserves the accolade. Four of the five players in the current top five are newcomers to the list, underscoring how quickly fortunes can change in a high‑intensity league. Lachie Miller is the sole hold‑over from the earlier ranking, while both Jake Connor – the defending Man of Steel – and his Leeds colleague Ash Handley have re‑entered after being omitted from the prior shortlist.
Former England captain Sam Tomkins, one of the judges, praised the Leeds duo, stating that both Handley and Connor "fully deserve" to lead the leaderboard. Tomkins singled out Handley as being in the best form of his career, noting that his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He added, "They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that." Tomkins continued his endorsement by highlighting specific aspects of Connor’s game: "We're seeing the best of Jake again.
His kicking has been outstanding, his try assists and his influence – the way he runs that side of the pitch – is clear for everyone to see." He then turned his attention to Handley, declaring, "And Ash Handley is certainly in the best form of his career. That's without doubt, in my opinion." Beyond the top five, several other notable players received votes but fell short of making the final cut.
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, who ultimately claimed the 2024 Man of Steel award, was handed a four‑match suspension for a head‑butt incident, which may have affected his standing in the current voting. Toulouse Olympique’s versatile back Olly Ashall‑Bott also garnered support but did not break into the top tier.
Completing the ten‑man shortlist were Tyrone May, Daryl Clark and Leeds winger Maika Sivo – the competition’s leading try scorer this season. Notably absent were Jez Litten and Brodie Croft, who finished second and fourth respectively in the inaugural edition of the award. The judging panel will reconvene after Round 27 to trim the field once more, this time producing a three‑man shortlist that will be the focus of the final deliberations.
The ultimate winner will be revealed at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on September 29, a ceremony that celebrates the sport’s finest achievements. For fans wanting to follow every moment of the Super League, Sky Sports is broadcasting all matches live throughout the season. Two games each round are shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five fixtures are available via Sky Sports+.
In addition, the league offers a streaming service for those without a traditional TV contract, ensuring that supporters can keep up with their favourite teams no matter where they are. The rise of Connor and Handley has injected fresh excitement into the Man of Steel race, and their continued excellence will be closely watched as the season progresses toward its climax. Their performances not only elevate Leeds Rhinos but also set a benchmark for what elite play looks like in modern rugby league, promising a thrilling conclusion to the award’s deliberation process.