The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has now been announced, and it features a trio of standout performers: Wigan Warriors' Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran, together with Leeds Rhinos' dynamic full‑back Lachie Miller. This elite group emerged after a rigorous selection process carried out by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who were tasked with whittling a broader list of twelve candidates down to the final three. The panel’s methodology was systematic and thorough. Over the course of the Super League season, they convened three times to evaluate performances across three distinct blocks of fixtures: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18, and rounds 19‑27.
After each meeting they identified a top‑five set of players for that segment of the campaign. By the end of the season, the cumulative data produced a consistent group of players who had appeared in the top‑five at least once during the year.
Those players 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. Despite a spectacular campaign, the reigning Man of Steel, Connor, was omitted from the final shortlist. Connor’s season for Leeds Rhinos was remarkable, highlighted by a staggering 43 try assists – nearly double the output of any other playmaker in the league – yet the panel’s criteria placed greater emphasis on other facets of the game, allowing O'Neill, Keighran and Miller to edge ahead.
Ellery Hanley, who also sat 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 inclusion did not extend into the final three. Keighran, on the other hand, secured a top‑five position during the final third of the season, cementing his reputation as a consistent performer when it mattered most. Brad O'Neill, the combative hooker from Wigan, 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 season. O'Neill’s contributions were instrumental in the Warriors clinching the League Leaders’ Shield, lifting the Challenge Cup, and contesting the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span.
At 24, his blend of hard‑hitting tackles, precise distribution, and remarkable durability has made him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s side, which continues to chase silverware. 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 attacking flair is evident in his league‑leading 166 tackle busts, a statistic that underscores his ability to break defensive lines and generate momentum for Leeds. His electrifying running style has lit up numerous matches, helping Leeds maintain a position near the top of the table for much of the season. Adam Keighran, also a Warrior, rounded out the trio with a balanced mix of offensive firepower and defensive solidity.
He concluded the regular season tallying 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a reliable kicker. Beyond the numbers, Keighran earned plaudits for his punishing defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits were amplified by Keighran’s support play. The Super League playoffs are now in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to culminate in 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’ 35‑12 demolition of Hull KR on September 19. The semi‑finals are scheduled as follows: Leeds Rhinos will face Warrington Wolves on Friday, September 25 at 8 pm, while Wigan Warriors take on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26 at 5.30 pm, both matches airing on Sky Sports.
As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny. O'Neill’s leadership and work rate, Miller’s explosive attacking instincts, and Keighran’s all‑round contributions will all be measured against the high stakes of knockout rugby league. Their performances in these decisive fixtures could well tip the scales in the final Man of Steel vote, rewarding the individual who has most consistently embodied excellence, resilience and impact throughout the season.
The Man of Steel award, named in honour of the late Steve Prescott MBE, remains one of the most prestigious individual accolades in the sport, celebrating the player who has delivered the highest standard of play over the course of the Super League campaign. With the shortlist now set, fans, pundits and former winners alike will be watching closely as the remaining weeks of the season unfold, eager to see which of these three exceptional athletes will ultimately claim the honour.