The shortlist for the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now been announced, and it features a trio of standout performers: Wigan Warriors’ hard‑working Brad O'Neill, fellow Warrior Adam Keighran, and Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection was carried out by a distinguished panel consisting of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who were tasked with trimming an initial pool of twelve candidates down to the final three. The panel’s evaluation process was spread over the course of the Super League season.
They convened three times, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: the first nine rounds, rounds ten through eighteen, and finally rounds nineteen to twenty‑seven. After each review period the judges compiled a top‑five list of players who had impressed them most during that stretch. By the end of the season the cumulative top‑five across all three periods included O'Neill, Keighran, 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, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final three. His season was highlighted by an astonishing 43 assists – almost twice as many as any other playmaker in the competition – but the panel ultimately favoured other candidates for the top honour. Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, was himself named in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller, yet he fell short of the final trio. Adam Keighran earned a place on the shortlist thanks to his consistent performances throughout the latter part of the season.
He featured in the panel’s top‑five for the final third of the campaign, underscoring his impact when it mattered most. The 24‑year‑old’s contributions were not limited to scoring; he finished the regular season with 16 tries and 107 successful goal kicks, and his defensive work earned him a reputation as a hard‑hitting, reliable presence in the Warriors’ back row.
His partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley was frequently highlighted as one of the most effective attacking combinations in the league. Brad O'Neill, the combative hooker from Wigan, entered the shortlist after already securing the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. O'Neill has been instrumental in Wigan’s dominant run, helping the club capture the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and, within 80 minutes of the Grand Final, a treble‑winning season. Known for his tough tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability, O'Neill has become a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, which has been chasing historic success throughout the year.
Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back who plies his trade for Leeds Rhinos, has been a constant name in the Man of Steel conversation since the opening weeks of the campaign. He topped the panel’s first vote after the initial nine rounds and has maintained a high level of performance ever since. Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts this term and his explosive running has repeatedly turned games in Leeds’ favour.
The Rhinos, who spent much of the season at the top of the table, have relied heavily on Miller’s ability to break the line, create scoring opportunities and provide a solid defensive presence on the edge. The Super League play‑offs are currently underway, with live coverage on Sky Sports extending right through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
The schedule includes a series of high‑stakes matches: Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards 26‑16 on Friday 18 September, while Warrington Wolves overwhelmed Hull KR 35‑12 on Saturday 19 September. The semi‑finals are set for Friday 25 September – Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves at 8 pm – and Saturday 26 September – Wigan Warriors against Wakefield Trinity at 5.30 pm, both broadcast live. As the play‑offs progress, the three nominees will be under intense scrutiny. Their performances in the knockout stages could tip the balance in the final voting.
O'Neill’s leadership in the forward pack, Keighran’s all‑round skill set, and Miller’s dynamic attacking flair each offer a compelling case for the coveted Man of Steel trophy. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which of these elite players ultimately lifts the prestigious award, capping what has already been an unforgettable season for Super League rugby league.