The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have been announced, and the final three consist of Wigan Warriors’ dynamic duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran together with Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection was 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 trimming an initial list of twelve candidates down to the ultimate three. The panel’s evaluation process spanned the entire regular season, divided into three distinct phases.
They convened three times, each meeting covering a different block of fixtures: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27. After each block they compiled a "top five" of players who had performed most consistently and impactfully during that segment. The players who managed to appear in the top‑five at any point throughout the campaign 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 season for Leeds Rhinos, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final cut. Connor’s statistical output was extraordinary – he recorded 43 try assists, almost double the next best playmaker in the league – yet the panel favoured other candidates for the ultimate award.
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, but he ultimately fell short of the final trio. Keighran secured his place in the shortlist by featuring in the top‑five for the season’s final third, demonstrating a strong finish to the campaign. Brad O'Neill, a hard‑hitting hooker, entered the shortlist with a strong résumé. He had already been honoured as the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year, a testament to his contributions in helping Wigan claim the League Leaders’ Shield, lift the Challenge Cup and contest the Grand Final within an 80‑minute span.
At just 24, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has cemented his status as a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side. His relentless work rate in the middle of the park has been a key factor in Wigan’s defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a Man of Steel contender from the very start of the season.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine fixtures, and his influence has only grown since. Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has amassed a league‑leading 166 tackle busts, showcasing his ability to break through opposition defences. His running game, characterised by speed, agility and an instinct for line‑breaks, has repeatedly lit up matches for the Rhinos, who have spent much of the season at the top of the table. Miller’s contributions extend beyond raw numbers; his presence on the flank creates space for teammates and adds a constant threat that opponents must account for.
Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 successful goal kicks. In addition to his scoring prowess, Keighrin has earned widespread praise for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have often been set up by Keighrin’s precise kicking and strong running.
His versatility – able to switch between centre and full‑back roles – has given Leeds a valuable tactical option throughout the campaign. The Super League playoffs are now 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 Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, followed by Warrington Wolves’ 35‑12 win over Hull KR on Saturday 19 September. The semi‑finals are scheduled as follows: Leeds Rhinos will host Warrington Wolves on Friday 25 September at 8 pm, while Wigan Warriors travel to face Wakefield Trinity on Saturday 26 September at 5:30 pm, both on Sky Sports.
As the playoffs progress, the three nominees – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – will be under intense scrutiny. Their performances in these high‑stakes matches could tip the scales in the final voting, which will be conducted after the Grand Final.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which of the three will ultimately lift the coveted Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel trophy, an award that recognises not just statistical excellence but also leadership, consistency and the ability to inspire teammates throughout a demanding season.