The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has now been announced, featuring a trio of standout performers: Wigan Warriors’ dynamic duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran, together with Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection was the result of a rigorous review 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 – who trimmed an initial pool of twelve candidates down to the final three. The panel’s methodology involved three separate meetings that corresponded with the three phases of the Super League season.
The first session examined performances from rounds 1 to 9, the second covered rounds 10 to 18, and the third assessed the closing stretch from rounds 19 to 27. After each meeting the judges compiled a top‑five list for that particular segment of the campaign.
By the end of the season, 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. Despite a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final shortlist. Connor’s contribution was nevertheless remarkable – he recorded 43 assists, a figure that dwarfed the next highest play‑maker in the league by almost double, underscoring his creative influence throughout the campaign. Ellery Hanley, who also served 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.
Nevertheless, Hanley’s name did not survive the final cut to the three‑man shortlist. Adam Keighran earned his place in the final three by securing a top‑five position in the panel’s assessment of the season’s final third. His consistent impact during the closing weeks cemented his reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable performers.
Brad O'Neill, known for his combative style and relentless work ethic, entered the shortlist having already collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. O'Neill was instrumental in Wigan’s treble‑winning run, contributing to the club’s capture of the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a commanding performance in the Grand Final that lasted just 80 minutes. At 24, his blend of hard‑tackling, precise distribution and exceptional durability has made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side as they chased historic silverware.
Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back for Leeds, has been a constant presence 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 fixtures and has maintained a high level of performance throughout.
Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching – he has recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts this term, and his explosive running has repeatedly turned the tide in Rhinos’ matches, helping Leeds to spend much of the season at the top of the league table. Keighran’s season statistics further underline his value. He finished the regular season with 16 tries and 107 successful goal kicks, showcasing both his finishing ability and his reliability as a goal‑kicker. In addition to his offensive output, Keighran has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and the seamless partnership he has forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s contributions.
The Man of Steel award, named in honour of the late Steve Prescott MBE, remains one of the most prestigious individual accolades in rugby league, celebrating the player judged to have had the greatest impact over the course of the Super League season. The shortlist reflects not only individual brilliance but also the players’ influence on their clubs’ overall success. As the Super League playoffs continue, the shortlist adds an extra narrative layer to the competition. 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, live on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm, live on Sky Sports These knockout games will determine which teams advance to the Grand Final, scheduled for 3 October at Old Trafford.
The performances of O'Neill, Keighran and Miller in these high‑stakes matches could further sway public opinion and perhaps influence the final Man of Steel decision, which will be announced after the Grand Final. In summary, the three‑man shortlist highlights the diverse skill sets that have defined the 2026 season: O'Neill’s gritty forward play and leadership, Keighran’s balanced attacking and defensive contributions, and Miller’s electrifying speed and play‑making prowess. All three have been pivotal to their clubs’ campaigns and will be closely watched as the playoffs progress and the ultimate award is decided.