The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the final trio consists of Wigan Warriors’ dynamic duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran together with Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection was made 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 original twelve‑man longlist down to the three candidates who will now contend for the award. The judging process was spread across the Super League season in three distinct phases.
The panel convened after rounds 1‑9, then again after rounds 10‑18, and finally after rounds 19‑27, each time reviewing performances and compiling a top‑five list for that segment of the campaign. Over the course of the season, twelve players managed to break into at least one of those top‑five groupings: 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 ultimate shortlist is the defending champion, Connor, who enjoyed an outstanding season with Leeds Rhinos, delivering a staggering 43 assists – almost twice as many as any other play‑maker in the competition. Despite his statistical dominance, he fell just short of the final three. Similarly, Ellery Hanley, who impressed the panel enough to appear in the top‑five on two separate occasions (a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller), did not make the final cut.
Brad O'Neill, the hard‑charging hooker from Wigan, has already added the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year trophy to his cabinet. His contributions were instrumental in guiding the Warriors to the League Leaders’ Shield, a Challenge Cup triumph, and a commanding performance within the first 80 minutes of the Grand Final. 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 treble‑chasing side. Adam Keighran, also representing Wigan, secured his place on the shortlist by consistently featuring in the panel’s top‑five during the final third of the season.
Over the regular season he crossed the try‑line 16 times and slotted 107 goals, showcasing a potent attacking threat. Beyond his scoring exploits, Keighran has earned widespread acclaim for his uncompromising defence and the seamless partnership he has forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s play.
Leeds Rhinos’ Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a Man of Steel contender from the very start of the campaign. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine fixtures, and his influence has only grown since.
Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has recorded an unprecedented 166 tackle busts this term, the highest tally by any player, while his explosive running and try‑scoring ability have lit up numerous matches for a Leeds side that spent much of the season perched atop the league table. His performances have kept him firmly in the conversation for the award. The Super League playoffs are currently in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. 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 (Kick‑Off) on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm (Kick‑Off) on Sky Sports As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny, with their performances in these high‑stakes matches likely to tip the scales in the final voting.
O'Neill’s leadership and defensive grit, Keighran’s dual threat of scoring and solidity at the back, and Miller’s attacking flair and relentless work‑rate each present a compelling case for the coveted Man of Steel honour. The award, named after the late Steve Prescott MBE, celebrates the player who has made the most significant impact on the season, both on and off the field. It recognises not only statistical excellence but also leadership, consistency and the ability to inspire teammates.
As the season draws to a close, fans, pundits and the distinguished panel will be watching closely to see which of these three outstanding athletes will lift the trophy and join the elite company of past winners. Regardless of the final outcome, the 2026 shortlist underscores the depth of talent across the Super League, highlighting the blend of youthful vigor and seasoned experience that defines modern rugby league. The competition remains fierce, and the remaining weeks promise to deliver unforgettable moments as the quest for the Man of Steel reaches its dramatic climax.