Leeds Rhinos’ backline stars Jake Connor and Ash Handley have surged to the summit of the most recent Steve Prescott Man of Steel rankings, which evaluate player performances from rounds 10 through 18 of the Betfred Super League campaign. This marks a notable comeback for both athletes, as neither featured on the previous shortlist that covered the opening nine rounds.
Their teammate Lachie Miller, who dominated the early phase of the season and headed the leaderboard after the first nine fixtures, now occupies the third spot. Following closely in fourth place is Wigan Warriors’ tireless hooker Brad O'Neill, whose work rate has been instrumental in the club’s recent revival.
Completing the top five is Leigh’s electrifying centre Umyla Hanley, who rounds out a diverse group of players representing different clubs and playing styles. The rankings are compiled by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients – Ellery Hanley, Paul Sculthorpe, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon. Each panelist reviews the performances of a ten‑man shortlist and trims it down to a final five after each stage of the season. This season’s top five features four newcomers compared with the previous list; Miller is the sole player to retain his position from the earlier rankings.
Both Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, and his Leeds colleague Handley have re‑entered the conversation after being absent from the earlier tally. Former England captain Sam Tomkins praised the Leeds duo, declaring that both Handley and Connor “fully deserve” to lead the Man of Steel leaderboard. Tomkins highlighted Handley’s current form as the best of his career, adding that the pair have become pivotal in Leeds’ push for an Old Trafford appearance.
"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," Tomkins remarked. He continued, "And Ash Handley is certainly in the best form of his career. That’s without doubt, in my opinion." Other notable performers received votes but fell short of the final five.
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, the 2024 Man of Steel winner who recently incurred a four‑match suspension for a head‑butt, and Toulouse Olympique’s versatile back Olly Ashall‑Bott were among those who missed out. The complete ten‑man shortlist also included Tyrone May, Daryl Clark and Leeds winger Maika Sivo, the competition’s leading try‑scorer. Former shortlist regulars Jez Litten and Brodie Croft did not feature this time around.
The expert panel will reconvene after Round 27 to narrow the field once more, eventually producing a three‑man shortlist that will compete for the award. The ultimate winner will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September. For fans wanting to follow the action, Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights for every Super League match this season. Two fixtures each round are shown live on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five are streamed via Sky Sports+.
In addition, a dedicated Super League ticket portal is available for supporters looking to attend games in person, and a weekly podcast titled “The Bench” with Jenna and Jon provides analysis and commentary on the latest developments. The resurgence of Connor and Handley underscores Leeds Rhinos’ resurgence this term. Connor’s precise goal‑kicking, creative playmaking, and ability to dictate the tempo on the left side of the field have been instrumental in turning close contests into decisive victories.
Meanwhile, Handley’s explosive running, strong defensive work, and knack for breaking tackles have seen him cross the try‑line more frequently than at any point in his professional career. Their combined impact has not only lifted Leeds up the league table but also sparked a broader conversation about the club’s potential to challenge for the title. Brad O’Neill’s inclusion reflects the growing appreciation for hookers who can contribute both in the ruck and in open play. His relentless tackling, swift distribution from dummy‑half, and occasional line‑breaks have helped Wigan re‑establish themselves as a force after a sluggish start to the season.
Similarly, Umyla Hanley’s dynamic runs and ability to create space for his teammates have made him a constant threat for Leigh, earning him a well‑deserved spot among the elite performers. As the season progresses toward its climax, the Man of Steel race promises to remain tightly contested. The panel’s methodology—balancing statistical output with intangible influence—ensures that the award recognizes not only raw numbers but also the subtle ways in which players elevate their teams. With the final shortlist looming, supporters across the league will be watching closely to see which of these standout athletes will ultimately claim the prestigious accolade.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the rankings, the official video highlights are best experienced using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible player interface. Whether you are a casual viewer, a die‑hard fan, or a newcomer to the sport, the evolving story of the Man of Steel race offers a compelling snapshot of the talent, dedication, and drama that define modern rugby league.