Leeds Rhinos pair Jake Connor and Ash Handley have surged to the very top of the most recent Steve Prescott Man of Steel rankings, which assess performances from rounds 10 through 18 of the Betfred Super League campaign. Their joint‑lead position is especially noteworthy because neither player appeared on the previous shortlist at all.
Their teammate Lachie Miller, who had been the clear front‑runner after the first nine rounds, now sits in third place. Following closely behind in fourth is Wigan Warriors’ tireless hooker Brad O'Neill, whose work rate has been a cornerstone of that 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 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 their collective experience to judge impact, consistency and moments of brilliance across the league.
Four of the five names in this latest top‑five are newcomers compared with the previous iteration, with only Miller retaining his spot from the earlier list. The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, and his Leeds colleague Ash Handley have both re‑entered the conversation after being absent from the earlier rankings, underscoring the dramatic swing in form they have displayed over the recent weeks. Former England captain Sam Tomkins praised the Leeds duo, stating that both Handley and Connor "fully deserve" to lead the leaderboard.
Tomkins highlighted Handley’s current season as the best of his career, while also lauding Connor’s all‑round contributions. "They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that," Tomkins said. Tomkins went on to detail why Connor’s performances have stood out: "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 added the same level of admiration for Handley, noting, "And Ash Handley is certainly in the best form of his career. That’s without doubt, in my opinion." Other notable players received votes but fell just 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 headbutt, was among those mentioned.
Toulouse Olympique’s versatile back Olly Ashall‑Bott also garnered attention but missed out on the top tier. 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 newcomers who have now risen to the summit.
Former panelists Jez Litten and Brodie Croft, who finished second and fourth respectively in the inaugural edition of the award, did not appear on this week’s list. The judging panel will reconvene after Round 27 to trim the field once more, eventually producing a three‑man shortlist that will be reviewed in a final deliberation. The ultimate winner will be revealed at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September, an event that celebrates the sport’s finest achievements over the season. For fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports has secured broadcasting rights for every Super League match this year.
Two games each round are shown live exclusively on the main Sky Sports channel, while the remaining five fixtures are available via Sky Sports+. This comprehensive coverage ensures that supporters can keep up with the performances that shape the Man of Steel race, from the opening whistle to the final showdown at the awards ceremony. In addition to televised coverage, supporters can purchase tickets directly through official Super League channels, ensuring they have the chance to experience the excitement of live rugby league first‑hand. The league’s official website also provides an up‑to‑date table, allowing fans to track how each club is faring as the season progresses.
The Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, offers further analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insight into the league’s storylines, including deep dives into the form of Connor, Handley and other contenders for the Man of Steel accolade. Listeners can tune in for expert commentary, player interviews and tactical breakdowns that enrich the overall understanding of why these athletes are making headlines. Overall, the latest Man of Steel rankings reflect a dynamic shift in the Super League landscape. Connor and Handley’s ascent to the top spot illustrates how quickly fortunes can change in a sport where form, fitness and individual brilliance intertwine.
As the season moves toward its climax, the race for the prestigious award remains wide open, promising further drama and memorable moments for fans across the rugby league community.