The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the final three contenders consist of Wigan Warriors’ hard‑working duo Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran, together with Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The decision came after a thorough review 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 original pool of twelve candidates down to the ultimate three.
The selection process was spread across the regular season in three distinct phases. The panel convened three times, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27. After each block they identified a top‑five group of performers for that period. When the three phases were completed, the players who consistently appeared in those top‑five lists 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, the defending champion Connor did not make the final cut. His contribution to Leeds Rhinos was undeniable – he recorded an astonishing 43 assists, a figure that dwarfed the next highest playmaker in the league – yet the panel’s criteria placed other candidates ahead of him for the ultimate honour. Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, managed to place himself in the top‑five twice during the season, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller. However, his own performances were not sufficient to secure a spot in the final trio.
Keighran, on the other hand, earned a top‑five placement during the closing third of the season, cementing his reputation as a reliable scorer and a solid defensive presence. Brad O'Neill, the combative hooker from Wigan, entered the shortlist having already collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. His contributions were instrumental 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, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side.
Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back, has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation since the early weeks of the season. He topped the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds and has continued to impress with a record‑breaking 166 tackle busts – the highest tally in the competition this term.
Miller’s dynamic running style and ability to turn broken play into scoring opportunities have lit up many matches for Leeds, who spent a considerable portion of the campaign leading the league table. Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals. Beyond his offensive output, he has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, which has provided Leeds with a potent attacking axis.
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 versus Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September (26‑16) and Warrington Wolves taking on Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September (35‑12).
The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, 25 September – Leeds Rhinos versus Warrington Wolves at 8 pm – and Saturday, 26 September – Wigan Warriors versus Wakefield Trinity at 5.30 pm, both on Sky Sports. As the season draws to its climax, the three nominees – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – each bring a distinct blend of skill, grit and consistency that embodies the spirit of the Man of Steel award.
Their performances have not only driven their respective clubs toward success but have also captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. The final decision will be announced after the Grand Final, and whichever player lifts the trophy will have earned it through a season of relentless effort, leadership and moments of individual brilliance that define the very best in rugby league.