The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel short‑list has now been made public, 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 process was overseen 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 judges convened on three separate occasions to assess the competition in three distinct phases: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27.
After each meeting they identified a top‑five group for that segment of the season. When the three phases were combined, the players who appeared in the top‑five at any point 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. Notably, the defending champion Connor, who enjoyed a spectacular campaign for Leeds Rhinos – registering 43 assists, almost twice as many as any other play‑maker in the league – failed to make the final three. Ellery Hanley, who featured in the panel’s top‑five on two separate occasions (the only player besides O'Neill and Miller to achieve that consistency), also fell short of the ultimate shortlist.
Adam Keighran earned his place by breaking into the top‑five during the final third of the season, while Brad O'Neill’s inclusion reflects his all‑round impact. The combative hooker has already been honoured as the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year, a testament to his role in Wigan’s treble‑winning run that saw the club claim the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a Grand Final victory within an 80‑minute span. At just 24, O'Neill’s blend of hard‑hitting defence, razor‑sharp passing and remarkable durability has transformed him into a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, which has been chasing historic silverware throughout the campaign.
His relentless tackling and ability to deliver the ball accurately under pressure have made him a favourite among teammates and supporters alike. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back, has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation from the very start of the season. He topped the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds, thanks to his explosive running, impeccable positioning and an eye‑popping 166 tackle busts – the highest total recorded by any player this term.
Miller’s speed and agility have lit up numerous matches for the Leeds Rhinos, who have spent much of the season perched near the top of the league table. Keighran concluded the regular season with an impressive statistical line: 16 tries and 107 goals.
Beyond the numbers, his reputation rests on a bruising defensive style and a seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose ability to finish scoring opportunities has complemented Keighran’s playmaking duties. The Super League playoffs are now in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
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 kickoff on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm kickoff on Sky Sports As the postseason unfolds, fans can anticipate high‑intensity clashes, with the three Man of Steel nominees likely to feature prominently in the decisive moments. Whether it is O'Neill’s gritty work rate, Keighran’s dual threat with the boot and the try‑line, or Miller’s breathtaking attacking flair, each brings a unique skill set that could tip the balance in the crucial games ahead.
The Man of Steel award, named in honour of the late Steve Prescott MBE, celebrates the player who has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency and influence over the course of the season. While the final voting will take place after the Grand Final, the shortlist itself already highlights the breadth of talent on display across the Super League this year. All eyes now turn to the remaining playoff fixtures, where the nominees will have one last opportunity to cement their legacy and possibly add the coveted Man of Steel trophy to their personal accolades.