The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has been officially 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 process was overseen by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who meticulously trimmed an original pool of twelve candidates down to the final three nominees. The panel’s evaluation was structured around three distinct phases of the Super League season. They convened three separate meetings to review the performances from rounds 1‑9, 10‑18 and 19‑27 respectively.
After each review, they identified a top‑five group of players for that segment of the campaign. By the end of the season, the following twelve athletes had earned a place in the top‑five at least once: 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 year for Leeds Rhinos, reigning Man of Steel recipient Connor did not make the final shortlist.
Connor’s season was highlighted by an astonishing 43 assists – almost twice the tally of any other playmaker in the competition – underscoring his creative influence on the field. However, the panel’s criteria extended beyond pure statistical output, taking into account consistency, impact in crucial moments, and overall contribution to team success. Ellery Hanley, one of the panel members, also featured in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller.
Nevertheless, Hanley fell short of the final three, illustrating the tight competition among the elite performers. Keighran secured his place in the shortlist by appearing in the top‑five during the final third of the season, demonstrating a strong finish to an already impressive campaign.
Brad O'Neill, a hard‑nosed hooker known for his relentless tackling and precise distribution, entered the shortlist with considerable momentum. He had already been honoured as the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year, a testament to his pivotal role in Wigan’s treble‑winning run. O'Neill helped the Warriors claim the League Leaders’ Shield, lift the Challenge Cup, and reach the Grand Final within an 80‑minute window. At just 24 years old, his combination of tough‑tackling, accurate passing and remarkable durability has made him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s side, which has been chasing historic success throughout the season.
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 campaign. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine matches, showcasing his immediate impact. Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts, a figure no other player has matched this term. His explosive running style and ability to create scoring opportunities have lit up numerous contests for the Rhinos, who have spent much of the season perched near the top of the league table.
Adam Keighran rounded out the trio with a balanced blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity. He finished the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals, contributing significantly to Leeds’ offensive output. Beyond his scoring, Keighran earned praise for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, a combination that has often proved decisive in close matches. The Super League playoffs are now in full swing, with live coverage on Sky Sports extending through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Recent results include Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on September 18 and Warrington Wolves’ dominant 35‑12 win against Hull KR on September 19. The semi‑final fixtures are set as follows: Leeds Rhinos will host Warrington Wolves at 8 pm on Friday, September 25, while Wigan Warriors travel to face Wakefield Trinity at 5.30 pm on Saturday, September 26.
Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans the chance to witness the final stages of the competition and see whether any of the Man of Steel nominees can add a championship title to their personal accolades. As the season draws to a close, the three nominees – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – represent the very best of the league’s talent.
Their individual achievements, combined with their contributions to team success, have earned them a place in the history books and a shot at the coveted Man of Steel award, which recognises the player who has made the most significant impact on the sport over the course of the year.