The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have been announced, and the final three‑man shortlist features a pair of Wigan Warriors stars—Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran—alongside Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners: Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe.
These veterans were tasked with sifting through an initial pool of twelve standout performers and narrowing it down to the three candidates who will vie for rugby league’s most prestigious individual honour. The panel’s methodology was systematic and transparent. Over the course of the season they convened three separate meetings, each covering a distinct block of fixtures: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27.
After each meeting the judges produced a "top five" list for that segment of the campaign. By the end of the season the cumulative data revealed a consistent group of players who repeatedly appeared in the top‑five rankings.
Those players 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. Despite a spectacular season for Leeds, current Man of Steel holder Connor did not make the final three.
Connor’s 2025‑26 campaign was remarkable for its creative output—he recorded 43 assists, a figure that dwarfed the next best playmaker in the competition. His omission underscores the panel’s emphasis on a broader set of criteria, including defensive work rate, consistency across the whole season and impact in crucial moments. Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, was the only player besides O'Neill and Miller to appear in the top‑five list for two separate thirds of the season. However, his strong showing was not enough to secure a place in the ultimate trio.
Keighran, meanwhile, earned his spot by featuring in the top‑five during the final third of the campaign, highlighting his late‑season surge in form. Brad O'Neill, the combative hooker from Wigan, entered the shortlist with a résumé that already includes the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. O'Neill was instrumental in Wigan’s treble‑winning run, helping the club capture the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a dominant performance in the Grand Final, all within an 80‑minute final.
At 24 years old, O'Neill combines ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing and remarkable durability, making him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side as they chased historic success. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back, has been a Man of Steel contender from the season’s opening weeks. He topped the panel’s first vote after the initial nine rounds, thanks to his explosive running, high‑risk ball‑handling and, most notably, his record‑breaking 166 tackle busts—a statistic that no other player matched this term.
Miller’s ability to turn defence into attack, coupled with his eye‑catching footwork, has lit up many of Leeds’ matches and kept the Rhinos near the top of the league table for much of the campaign. Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and 107 successful goal attempts.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Keighran earned plaudits for his hard‑hitting defensive style and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits complemented Keighran’s contributions. His consistency in both attack and defence cemented his place among the elite. The Super League play‑offs are now in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will culminate with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on 18 September, Warrington Wolves’ 35‑12 win against Hull KR on 19 September, and the semi‑final match‑ups slated for 25 and 26 September: Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves (8 pm, Sky Sports) and Wigan Warriors versus Wakefield Trinity (5.30 pm, Sky Sports).
As the drama unfolds, the three shortlisted players will aim to cap their seasons with the ultimate individual accolade, adding another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling postseason. The Man of Steel award not only recognises statistical excellence but also celebrates leadership, resilience and the ability to influence games at the highest level. O'Neill’s gritty work ethic, Miller’s dazzling attacking flair and Keighran’s balanced contributions across the field embody the diverse qualities the panel seeks to honour.
As the final matches approach, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see which of these three will ultimately lift the coveted Steve Prescott MBE trophy and join the distinguished roll of past winners.