The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has now been announced, featuring a trio of standout performers: Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran from the Wigan Warriors, and Lachie Miller representing the Leeds Rhinos. This elite selection follows a rigorous assessment process carried out by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients—Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon, and Paul Sculthorpe—who trimmed an initial pool of twelve candidates down to the final three. The panel’s methodology involved three separate meetings spread across the Super League season, each focusing on a different segment of fixtures: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18, and rounds 19‑27.
After each meeting, the judges compiled a "top five" list for that particular third of the campaign. When the season concluded, the players who had consistently appeared in those top‑five rankings 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 defending Man of Steel, Connor, who delivered a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos, tallying an astonishing 43 assists—almost twice the output of any other playmaker in the league. Despite this statistical dominance, Connor fell short of the shortlist, underscoring the panel’s emphasis on a broader range of attributes beyond pure playmaking numbers. Ellery Hanley, who also sat 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, Hanley’s name did not make the ultimate three‑player cut. Keighran earned his spot by featuring in the panel’s top‑five during the final third of the season, highlighting his sustained impact as the campaign wound down. Brad O'Neill, a hard‑nosed hooker, has already secured the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. His contributions were pivotal in Wigan’s capture of the League Leaders’ Shield, a triumphant Challenge Cup run, and a strong showing within the first 80 minutes of the Grand Final.
At just 24 years of age, O'Neill’s 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 fixture in the Man of Steel conversation since the early weeks of the season. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine matches, thanks to his electrifying attacking style and defensive work rate. No other player has recorded as many as Miller’s 166 tackle busts this term, and his dynamic running has consistently brightened Leeds’ offensive displays, helping the Rhinos maintain a position near the top of the league table for much of the season.
Adam Keighran concluded the regular season with an impressive haul of 16 tries and 107 goals. Beyond his scoring prowess, he has drawn praise for his hard‑hitting defensive play and the seamless partnership he has forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s contributions. The Super League playoffs are now in full swing, with matches being broadcast live on Sky Sports. The schedule includes: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity 26‑16 Leigh Leopards - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves 35‑12 Hull KR - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs.
Warrington Wolves, 8 p.m. kickoff on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs. Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 p.m.
kickoff on Sky Sports These fixtures will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the two surviving teams will vie for the championship crown. The ongoing playoffs have already showcased the depth of talent across the league, and the presence of O'Neill, Keighran, and Miller on the Man of Steel shortlist adds an extra layer of intrigue, as each player continues to demonstrate why they are considered among the very best in the competition.
As the season draws to its climax, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether any of the shortlisted players can translate their individual excellence into decisive performances on the sport’s biggest stage. Whether it is O'Neill’s relentless work rate in the middle of the park, Miller’s dazzling footwork and defensive tenacity, or Keighran’s dual threat as a try‑scorer and reliable goal‑kicker, each brings a unique set of skills that could prove decisive in the final weeks of Super League action.