Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic pairing of Jake Connor and Ash Handley have surged back to the summit of the latest Steve Prescott Man of Steel leaderboard, which evaluates performances from rounds 10 through 18 of the Betfred Super League campaign. Their joint‑top placement marks a striking comeback after they were completely absent from the previous shortlist, underscoring a dramatic swing in form and influence for the club during the middle phase of the season. The third spot on the list is occupied by their teammate Lachie Miller, who had dominated the rankings after the first nine rounds.
Miller’s consistency has kept him in contention, but he now finds himself behind the two Leeds stars. In fourth place sits Brad O'Neill, the hard‑working hooker from Wigan Warriors, whose contributions have been instrumental in the resurgence of his side, providing a solid platform for their attacking flair. Rounding out the top five is Leigh’s electrifying centre Umyla Hanley, whose blend of speed and creativity has earned him a place among the elite performers.
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 panelist reviews the performances of a ten‑man shortlist and then narrows it down to a top five after each stage of the season, ensuring that the most impactful players receive recognition. This year’s top five features four newcomers compared with the previous list; only Miller managed to retain his position, highlighting the fluid nature of form and the competitive depth of the league.
Both Connor and Handley have returned to the shortlist after missing out previously, a testament to their recent surge in form. Former England captain Sam Tomkins, one of the judges, praised the duo, stating that they “fully deserve” to lead the Man of Steel leaderboard.
Tomkins singled out Handley as being in the best shape of his career, noting that his performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Tomkins elaborated: “They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford, and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that.” He continued, “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.” The panel’s deliberations will continue after Round 27, when they will whittle the list down to a final three‑man shortlist. The ultimate winner will be revealed at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September, a ceremony that celebrates the finest achievements in the sport. Other notable players who received votes but fell just short of the top five include Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, the 2024 Man of Steel winner who has recently been handed a four‑match suspension for a head‑butt incident, and Toulouse Olympique’s Olly Ashall‑Bott.
Both players demonstrated high‑level performances that earned them recognition from the judges. Completing the ten‑man shortlist were Tyrone May, Daryl Clark and Leeds winger Maika Sivo, the competition’s leading try‑scorer, whose prolific finishing has been a constant threat to opposition defenses. Notably absent from the list were Jez Litten and Brodie Croft, who had featured prominently in the inaugural edition of the award.
Beyond the individual accolades, the Man of Steel award reflects broader trends within the Super League. Sky Sports continues to broadcast every match live this season, offering two exclusive live games each round on its main channel and the remaining five matches via Sky Sports+. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans can follow the performances that drive the rankings, from breathtaking tries to game‑changing kicks. The resurgence of Connor and Handley also mirrors Leeds Rhinos’ overall trajectory.
After a sluggish start to the campaign, the team has found renewed momentum, with Connor’s playmaking and Handley’s attacking prowess providing the spark needed to climb the league table. Their contributions extend beyond raw statistics; they inspire teammates, dictate tempo, and create opportunities that often swing matches in Leeds’ favour.
In addition to the on‑field impact, both players have become fan favourites, drawing larger crowds and increasing engagement on social media platforms. Their rise in the Man of Steel rankings has sparked lively debate among pundits and supporters alike, with many arguing that their consistency and leadership qualities make them worthy candidates for the ultimate individual honour.
As the season progresses toward its climax, the competition for the Man of Steel title will intensify. Players such as Miller, O'Neill, and Hanley will be eager to maintain their positions, while others on the fringe of the shortlist will push for breakthroughs in the remaining rounds. The panel’s final decision after Round 27 will set the stage for a thrilling showdown at the awards ceremony, where the best of the best will be celebrated.
For those following the race closely, the Super League’s official website offers a live leaderboard, detailed statistics, and video highlights. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience, ensuring they can watch every pivotal moment that could influence the final outcome.
In summary, Jake Connor and Ash Handley’s joint‑top placement on the Man of Steel leaderboard underscores their pivotal roles in Leeds Rhinos’ resurgence, highlights the competitive depth of the Super League, and sets the scene for an exciting conclusion to the award’s selection process later this year.