The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominations have been officially announced, and the final trio of candidates consists of two Wigan Warriors stars – Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran – alongside Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. This elite shortlist follows a rigorous selection process carried out by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners: Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe.
Their task was to whittle a broad twelve‑player shortlist down to the three individuals they felt most deserved the prestigious award. The panel’s methodology was systematic and thorough. Over the course of the Super League season they convened three separate meetings, each one focused on a different segment of the campaign: the opening nine rounds (weeks 1‑9), the middle block (weeks 10‑18) and the final stretch (weeks 19‑27).
After each meeting they compiled a "top‑five" list for that particular period, based on performance metrics, consistency, impact on games and overall contribution to their teams. The players who managed to appear in the top‑five at any point during the season 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 year for Leeds Rhinos, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final three. Connor’s season was highlighted by an astonishing 43 assists – almost double the next highest play‑maker in the league – yet the panel ultimately favored the other candidates.
Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, was himself named in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a distinction he shares only with O'Neill and Miller, but he fell short of the ultimate three‑way cut. Adam Keighran earned his place on the shortlist by featuring in the panel’s top‑five during the final third of the season.
His consistency in the latter stages of the campaign, combined with his ability to break the line and contribute both in attack and defence, impressed the former champions. Brad O'Neill, the hard‑nosed hooker for Wigan, entered the conversation early after already securing the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year accolade.
O'Neill has been instrumental in Wigan’s treble‑chasing season, helping the club capture the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a spot in the Grand Final within an 80‑minute window of the decisive match. At just 24, his blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has turned him into a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side. His relentless work rate and ability to win the battle in the middle of the park have been cited as key factors in Wigan’s sustained success. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back for Leeds, has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel dialogue since the opening weeks.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine games, showcasing a combination of speed, agility and defensive acumen that set him apart. Miller’s statistics underline his impact: he recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts this term, a testament to his ability to break through opposition defenses and generate momentum for the Rhinos. His dynamic running style and knack for creating line‑breaks have lit up numerous matches, especially during periods when Leeds held the top spot on the league table. Keighran’s season numbers also speak volumes.
He finished the regular season with 16 tries and successfully converted 107 goals, a dual threat that made him a valuable asset in both scoring and point‑adding situations. Beyond the raw numbers, Keighran has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have often been set up by Keighran’s incisive passes. As the Super League playoffs progress, the stakes are higher than ever. The 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 on Sky Sports (knock‑out) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm on Sky Sports (knock‑out) These matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, leading up to the Grand Final scheduled for 3 October at Old Trafford.
The culmination of the season promises to be a showcase of the very best talent in the league, and the three nominees for the Man of Steel award will be under intense scrutiny as they aim to cap off an already remarkable year with the sport’s highest individual honour. In summary, the final Man of Steel shortlist reflects a blend of youthful vigor, seasoned experience, and standout performances across the Super League. Brad O'Neill’s gritty presence in the middle, Adam Keighran’s versatile scoring and defensive contributions, and Lachie Miller’s explosive attacking flair each embody the qualities that define the award’s legacy. As the playoffs unfold, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see which of these three will ultimately be crowned the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.