The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the final three contenders consist of two Wigan Warriors stand‑outs – Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran – alongside Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection was carried out by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients: Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe. These veterans trimmed an initial roster of twelve candidates down to the ultimate trio after a systematic review of the season’s performances.
The judging process was divided into three distinct phases, each corresponding to a nine‑round segment of the Super League campaign. The panel convened three times – after rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27 – to assess player impact, consistency and overall contribution.
For each segment they identified a top‑five group, and the players who appeared in a top‑five at any point throughout the year were: Brad O'Neill, Adam Keighran, Lachie Miller, Jake Connor, Umyla Hanley, Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Brodie Croft, Daryl Clark, Ash Handley, Bevan French and Jai Field. Interestingly, the defending Man of Steel, Connor, did not make the final cut despite delivering an extraordinary season for Leeds Rhinos in which he recorded 43 assists – almost twice the tally of any other play‑maker in the competition. His omission underscores the panel’s emphasis on a broader set of criteria beyond raw statistics, such as defensive work‑rate, leadership and influence in crucial moments. Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, managed to place himself in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller.
However, his name did not progress to the final three. Keighran, on the other hand, secured a top‑five spot during the last third of the season, cementing his reputation as a consistent threat in the latter stages of the campaign. Brad O'Neill, the hard‑nosed hooker from Wigan, has already added the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award to his résumé. His contributions were pivotal in Wigan’s successful pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield, a Challenge Cup triumph and a commanding performance in the Grand Final, all achieved within an 80‑minute window.
At 24, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, razor‑sharp passing and remarkable durability has made him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back, has been a fixture in the Man of Steel conversation since the season’s opening weeks.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine games, showcasing his immediate impact. Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has amassed a league‑leading 166 tackle busts and consistently produces electrifying runs that have often turned the tide in Leeds’ favor. His performances have illuminated many matches, especially during periods when the Rhinos held the top spot in the league standings. Adam Keighran finished the regular season with an impressive 16 tries and 107 successful goal kicks.
Beyond his offensive numbers, he has earned widespread praise for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, which has added a new dimension to Wigan’s attacking arsenal. The Super League play‑offs are currently in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Upcoming fixtures include: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8 pm (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm (Sky Sports) These knockout games will determine which of the three shortlisted players ultimately lifts the coveted Man of Steel trophy, an award that celebrates the player deemed to have made the most outstanding overall contribution to the sport throughout the season. The panel’s rigorous evaluation process, combined with the high‑stakes environment of the play‑offs, ensures that the eventual winner will have demonstrated excellence across both statistical performance and intangible qualities such as leadership, resilience and the ability to influence games at critical moments.
As the drama unfolds, fans can expect intense battles on the field, strategic masterstrokes from coaches, and moments of individual brilliance that could tip the scales in favor of O'Neill, Keighran or Miller. Whichever player ultimately claims the honor will join an elite list of past winners, cementing their legacy in rugby league history.