Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic pairing of Jake Connor and Ash Handley have surged to the very top of the most recent Steve Prescott Man of Steel rankings, which evaluate performances from rounds 10 through 18 of the Betfred Super League campaign. This marks a notable comeback for both players, as neither featured on the previous shortlist at all. Their teammate Lachie Miller, who had been the frontrunner after the first nine rounds, now sits in third place. Following closely behind is Wigan Warriors’ tireless hooker Brad O'Neill, who claims the fourth spot after playing a pivotal role in his club’s recent revival.
Completing the top five is Leigh’s electrifying centre Umyla Hanley, rounding out the elite group. The rankings are compiled by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel award winners – Ellery Hanley, Paul Sculthorpe, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon. Each panelist trims a ten‑man provisional list down to a final five at every stage of the season, ensuring that only the most consistent and impactful performers are recognised.
Four of the five players in this latest top‑five are newcomers to the list, with only Miller retaining his position from the earlier ranking. Both Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, and his Leeds colleague Handley have re‑entered the spotlight after being omitted from the prior shortlist, underscoring a dramatic resurgence in form.
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 season as the finest of his career, noting that the pair have become essential to Leeds’ ambitions of reaching Old Trafford for the Grand Final. Tomkins explained: "They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that. 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. 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 top five. Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, who ultimately secured the 2024 Man of Steel award but was recently handed a four‑match suspension for a headbutt, earned recognition. Toulouse Olympique’s versatile back Olly Ashall‑Bott also garnered support, though he did not make the final cut.
The complete ten‑man shortlist also featured Tyrone May, Daryl Clark and Leeds winger Maika Sivo – the competition’s leading try‑scorer – alongside the two Leeds stars. Former nominees Jez Litten and Brodie Croft, who finished second and fourth respectively in the inaugural edition of the award, were absent from this round’s considerations. The expert panel will reconvene after Round 27 to trim the list once more, eventually producing a three‑man shortlist that will vie for the ultimate accolade.
The winner will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on September 29. For fans wishing to follow the action, Sky Sports is broadcasting every Super League match live this season. Two fixtures each round are shown exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five games are available via Sky Sports+.
Additional resources such as ticket information, the latest league table, and the popular "Bench" podcast with Jenna and Jon are also accessible through the league’s digital platforms. Overall, Connor and Handley’s ascent to the summit of the Man of Steel rankings reflects a period of exceptional performance for Leeds Rhinos. Their contributions – from precise kicking and creative playmaking to relentless defensive work – have not only propelled their club up the standings but have also captured the admiration of former greats and pundits alike.
As the season progresses toward its climax, the rugby league community will be watching closely to see whether these two stars can maintain their momentum and ultimately claim the prestigious Man of Steel trophy.