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, alongside Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic full‑back Lachie Miller. This elite selection follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who whittled a broader list of twelve candidates down to the final three. The judging panel convened on three separate occasions throughout the Super League season, each meeting dedicated to a specific block of fixtures: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27. After each session the panel produced a “top‑five” group for that segment of the campaign, allowing them to track consistency and impact over the course of the whole year.
By the end of the season the players who had appeared in a top‑five at any stage 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, where Connor amassed an astonishing 43 try assists – almost double the next highest play‑maker in the competition – he was omitted from the final Man of Steel shortlist. The panel’s decision underscores the difficulty of balancing raw statistical output with overall influence on a team’s success, particularly when other candidates have contributed in a variety of ways beyond the numbers sheet.
Ellery Hanley, one of the panel members, also featured in the top‑five on two separate occasions, matching the achievement of O’Neill and Miller. However, his performances did not translate into a top‑three finish, highlighting the depth of talent across the league. Keighran, meanwhile, secured a top‑five spot during the final third of the season, reinforcing his status as a consistent threat in the latter stages of the campaign. Brad O’Neill, the hard‑nosed hooker for Wigan, entered the shortlist after already capturing the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award.
His contributions were instrumental in Wigan’s treble‑winning run, which saw the club claim the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a place in the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span. At 24 years old, O’Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, razor‑sharp distribution and remarkable durability has cemented his role as a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, which has been relentless in its pursuit of silverware. Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a Man of Steel contender from the very start of the season.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine matches, and his electrifying style has continued to draw admiration. Miller has recorded an unprecedented 166 tackle busts this term, the highest total by any player, and his explosive running has repeatedly shifted the momentum in Leeds’ favour. The Rhinos, long‑time league leaders, have benefited from his ability to break defensive lines and create scoring opportunities, making him a constant threat on the wing.
Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals. Beyond his scoring prowess, Keighrin has earned plaudits for his physical defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s contributions.
The combination of a hard‑hitting defensive mindset and an eye for the try line has made Keighran a valuable asset for Wigan. The Man of Steel shortlist arrives as the Super League playoffs are in full swing, with matches broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The schedule includes: - 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 - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm on Sky Sports The postseason will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the ultimate champion of the season will be crowned. As the competition intensifies, the three shortlisted players will be under close scrutiny, with fans and pundits alike debating who truly deserves the coveted Man of Steel honour. Their performances in the remaining playoff fixtures could tip the balance, adding an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling climax to the 2026 Super League campaign.