The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now narrowed its field to a three‑man shortlist, featuring two Wigan Warriors stars – Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran – alongside Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic back, Lachie Miller. The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who were tasked with trimming an original pool of twelve candidates down to the ultimate trio. The panel’s methodology was systematic and thorough.
Over the course of the season they convened three times, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: the first review examined rounds 1 through 9, the second looked at rounds 10 through 18, and the final session evaluated rounds 19 through 27. After each review the judges produced a "top five" list for that particular third of the season. By the end of the process, a total of twelve players had appeared in at least one of those top‑five rankings. Those twelve 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.
One notable omission from the final three was the incumbent Man of Steel, Connor, who despite enjoying an outstanding year for Leeds Rhinos – recording a remarkable 43 assists, almost twice as many as any other playmaker in the league – did not make the final cut. His omission underscores the panel’s emphasis on a broader set of contributions beyond pure playmaking statistics.
Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, was himself a frequent presence in the top‑five rankings, appearing twice – a distinction he shares only with O'Neill and Miller. However, Hanley’s own performances were not sufficient to secure a place among the ultimate three nominees. Keighran, on the other hand, earned his spot by consistently featuring in the top five during the final third of the season, highlighting his sustained impact as the campaign drew to a close.
Brad O'Neill, the hard‑charging hooker for 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 successful pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a near‑victory in the Grand Final, all achieved within an 80‑minute span. At 24 years old, his blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has cemented his role as a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side. Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation from the very start of the season.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine matches, and his influence has only grown. Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts, a testament to his defensive tenacity, while his electrifying running lines have repeatedly broken open games for the Leeds Rhinos, who have spent much of the season at the top of the table.
Adam Keighran, the other Wigan representative, concluded the regular season with an impressive tally of 16 tries and 107 goals. Beyond his scoring output, Keighran has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, which has added a further dimension to Wigan’s attacking arsenal. As the Super League playoffs unfold, the stakes are higher than ever.
The schedule for the upcoming weekend includes Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on Friday, September 18, followed by Warrington Wolves’ 35‑12 demolition of Hull KR on Saturday, September 19. The semi‑finals are set for the following week: Leeds Rhinos will meet Warrington Wolves on Friday, September 25 at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors take on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m., also on Sky Sports. The playoffs will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the ultimate Man of Steel will be crowned. In summary, the three‑man shortlist reflects a blend of individual brilliance and team success. O'Neill’s gritty leadership, Keighran’s dual threat as a scorer and defender, and Miller’s explosive attacking flair each embody the qualities the panel seeks to reward.
As the season reaches its climax, fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion and a well‑deserved celebration of the player who has truly stood out across the entire campaign.