The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the final three contenders consist of Wigan Warriors' dynamic duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran, together with Leeds Rhinos' electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. A distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – was tasked with trimming an initial list of twelve candidates down to a three‑person shortlist. The panel convened on three separate occasions throughout the season, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27. After each review they identified a top‑five group for that particular third of the season.
When the three assessments 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. This broad pool demonstrated the depth of talent on display across Super League this year.
Despite a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final three. Connor’s contribution was nonetheless remarkable – he recorded 43 assists, a figure almost twice that of any other playmaker in the competition, underscoring his creative influence on the field. Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, managed to place himself in the top‑five on two separate occasions, matching the achievement of O'Neill and Miller.
However, his name did not survive the final cut to the three‑man shortlist. Adam Keighran earned a top‑five spot in the panel’s evaluation of the season’s final third, cementing his status as a consistent performer during the crucial closing stages of the campaign. Brad O'Neill, a hard‑charging hooker, entered the shortlist already holding the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year trophy.
His contributions helped Wigan secure the League Leaders’ Shield, lift the Challenge Cup, and reach the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span. At 24, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and exceptional durability has seen him become a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side.
Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back for Leeds, has been a staple of the Man of Steel conversation since the season’s opening weeks. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine matches, and his impact has only grown. Miller has recorded an astounding 166 tackle busts – the highest tally of any player this term – and his explosive running has repeatedly turned matches in Leeds’ favour, especially during their spell as league leaders.
Keighran concluded the regular season with a respectable 16 tries and 107 goals. In addition to his scoring prowess, he has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and the seamless partnership he has forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, adding another dimension to Wigan’s attacking options.
The Super League play‑offs 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 (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 play‑offs progress, the three nominees – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – will be under intense scrutiny, each hoping to add the prestigious Man of Steel accolade to their growing list of achievements. Their performances in the remaining matches could tip the balance in the final voting, which will be conducted by the same panel of former winners who have already demonstrated a keen eye for excellence throughout the season. The Man of Steel award, named in honour of the late Steve Prescott MBE, remains the highest individual honour in British rugby league, recognising the player who has made the greatest overall contribution to the sport over the course of the season.
With the shortlist now set, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which of the three will ultimately claim the trophy and etch their name alongside the greats of the game.