The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nomination list has now been made public, featuring 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 process was overseen by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who whittled a broader twelve‑player pool down to the final three contenders. The panel’s methodology was rigorous and systematic.
Over the course of the season they convened three separate meetings, each focusing on a distinct segment of the campaign: the opening nine rounds (matches 1‑9), the middle nine (rounds 10‑18) and the closing nine (rounds 19‑27). After each meeting they produced a "top five" ranking for that particular third of the season.
By aggregating the results they identified the players who consistently appeared among the elite across the entire campaign. The athletes who managed to break into the top‑five list 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. While this group represents a broad cross‑section of the league’s talent, only three ultimately survived the final cut. It is noteworthy that the incumbent Man of Steel, Connor, did not make the shortlist despite enjoying a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos in which he recorded 43 assists – a figure almost twice that of any other playmaker in the competition.
His omission underscores the panel’s emphasis on a blend of individual brilliance and overall impact on team success. Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, earned a place in the top‑five on two separate occasions, matching the achievement of O'Neill and Miller.
However, his consistent presence was not enough to secure a spot among the final three, highlighting the fierce competition for the award. Adam Keighran’s performances in the latter third of the season earned him a place in the panel’s top‑five for that period, reflecting a strong finish to his campaign. The Australian full‑back Lachie Miller, meanwhile, has been a talking point from the very start of the year.
He topped the panel’s first‑round vote after the opening nine matches and has maintained a high level of play throughout, cementing his reputation as a genuine contender. Brad O'Neill, a combative hooker, has already collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year honour.
His contributions were pivotal in Wigan’s capture of the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup, and a dominant performance within the first 80 minutes of the Grand Final. At just 24 years of age, O'Neill’s blend of tough tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has seen him become a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side. Miller’s impact is evident not only in his scoring statistics but also in his defensive work rate. No player has recorded more than his 166 tackle busts this term, and his explosive running has repeatedly turned matches in Leeds’ favour, especially during periods when the Rhinos have been perched near the top of the league table.
Keighran finished the regular season with an impressive tally of 16 tries and 107 goals. Beyond the raw numbers, he has earned widespread praise for his hard‑hitting defensive style and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, which has provided Leeds with a reliable source of points from both the backline and set‑piece situations. The Super League play‑offs are currently in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue 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 on Sky Sports (knock‑out) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm on Sky Sports (knock‑out) As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny, each hoping to add the prestigious Man of Steel accolade to their personal achievements.
Their performances in the remaining matches could prove decisive, not only for their own legacies but also for the fortunes of their respective clubs as they chase silverware in the closing weeks of the season.