The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now been narrowed down to a three‑player shortlist, featuring Wigan Warriors’ dynamic duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran alongside Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel consisting of five former Man of Steel recipients – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who were tasked with trimming an initial pool of twelve candidates to the final trio. The panel’s methodology involved three separate meetings spread across the Super League season.
The first session reviewed performances from Rounds 1‑9, the second covered Rounds 10‑18, and the third assessed the final stretch, Rounds 19‑27. After each review period the judges compiled a top‑five list of players who had demonstrated outstanding form during that segment of the campaign.
By the end of the season, the following twelve athletes had earned a place in at least one of those top‑five rankings: 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. It is worth noting that the reigning Man of Steel, Connor, did not make the final shortlist despite delivering a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos, where he amassed an astonishing 43 try assists – almost twice the tally of any other playmaker in the league. His omission underscores the depth of talent on display this year and the difficulty the panel faced in making their final choices.
Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, managed to appear in the top‑five rankings twice, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller. However, despite his consistency, Hanley fell just short of the final three. Keighran, on the other hand, secured a top‑five spot in the panel’s assessment of the season’s final third, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer when it mattered most. Brad O'Neill, a hard‑hitting hooker known for his relentless tackling and precise distribution, entered the shortlist after already claiming the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award.
His contributions have been instrumental in Wigan Warriors’ pursuit of a historic treble, helping the club capture the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup, and a place in the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span. At just 24 years old, O'Neill’s durability, tactical acumen and ability to execute pinpoint passes have made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back for Leeds, has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation since the opening weeks of the campaign. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine games, thanks to his explosive running, defensive reliability and an unmatched work rate.
Miller recorded a staggering 166 tackle busts – the highest total of any player this term – and his line‑breaking runs have repeatedly shifted momentum in Leeds’ favor, especially during the period when the Rhinos dominated the league standings. Adam Keighran’s season was equally impressive. He finished the regular season with 16 tries and 107 goals, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a reliable kicker.
Beyond his offensive output, Keighnor earned widespread praise for his aggressive defensive style and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, who often capitalised on the space Keighnor created. His inclusion in the final shortlist reflects his all‑round impact on the Warriors’ success. The Super League playoffs are currently in full swing, with live coverage on Sky Sports continuing 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 KO on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm KO on Sky Sports These matches will determine which of the shortlisted candidates can add a Man of Steel trophy to their personal accolades.
While O'Neill’s Warriors aim to convert their treble ambitions into a Grand Final victory, Miller’s Rhinos are eager to translate their regular‑season dominance into championship glory. Keighnor, meanwhile, hopes to showcase his resilience and skill on the biggest stage, potentially tipping the scales in his favour. Regardless of the final outcome, the three‑player shortlist highlights the extraordinary talent spread across the Super League this season.
Each nominee brings a unique blend of leadership, athleticism and game‑changing ability, ensuring that the 2026 Man of Steel award will be contested by truly deserving candidates.