The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has now been announced, featuring a trio of standout performers: Wigan Warriors’ hard‑working centre Brad O'Neill, fellow Warrior Adam Keighran, and Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. These three have emerged from a rigorous selection process overseen by a distinguished panel of 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 selection panel convened on three separate occasions throughout the Super League season, each meeting corresponding to a different segment of the campaign: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18, and rounds 19‑27.
After each review period the judges compiled a "top five" list for that particular third of the season. When the three reviews were combined, a consistent group of players emerged as the season’s most influential figures.
The players who appeared in the 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. Interestingly, the defending Man of Steel, Connor, missed out on the final shortlist despite delivering an exceptional year for Leeds Rhinos. Connor recorded a staggering 43 try assists – almost twice the output of any other playmaker in the competition – underscoring his creative influence, yet the panel opted to look elsewhere for the award’s ultimate honorees.
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. However, his name did not survive the final cut, leaving the spotlight firmly on the three nominees. Adam Keighran’s performances earned him a top‑five slot during the season’s final third, highlighting his consistency as the campaign drew to a close.
The Australian‑born full‑back Lachie Miller has been part of the Man of Steel conversation from the very start of the year, topping the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds and maintaining a high profile throughout the remainder of the schedule. Brad O'Neill, a combative hooker renowned for his relentless tackling and precise distribution, has already collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. His contributions were pivotal in Wigan’s triumphant treble chase, which saw the club secure the League Leaders’ Shield, lift the Challenge Cup, and reach the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span. At just 24 years old, O'Neill’s durability, defensive tenacity and ability to execute pinpoint passes have cemented his status as an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s side.
Miller, the dynamic Australian full‑back, has dazzled fans and pundits alike with a season‑long display of attacking flair. He recorded an astonishing 166 tackle busts – the highest tally in the league – and his explosive running has repeatedly turned ordinary matches into spectacular showcases for Leeds, who spent much of the season perched near the top of the table. His early‑season impact was evident when he topped the panel’s first voting round, and he has continued to impress with his speed, positional awareness and finishing ability.
Keighran concluded the regular season with an impressive statistical line: 16 tries and 107 successful goal kicks. Beyond his offensive contributions, he has earned widespread acclaim for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s all‑round game.
The Super League playoffs are currently in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to culminate with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Recent results include Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September, and Warrington Wolves’ 35‑12 demolition of Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September. The semi‑finals are scheduled as follows: Leeds Rhinos will face Warrington Wolves on Friday, 25 September at 8 pm (Sky Sports knockout), while Wigan Warriors take on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, 26 September at 5.30 pm (Sky Sports knockout). The winners of these clashes will advance to the championship decider, where the coveted Man of Steel award will be presented to the player deemed to have made the most significant impact over the course of the season.
In summary, Brad O'Neill, Adam Keighran and Lachie Miller have distinguished themselves as the leading candidates for the 2026 Man of Steel honour. Their blend of individual brilliance, consistency, and contribution to their respective clubs’ successes has resonated with a panel of the sport’s most respected former players, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Super League season.