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 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. These veterans trimmed an initial pool of twelve candidates down to the ultimate trio after a thorough review of the season’s performances. The panel convened on three separate occasions to assess the league’s progress in three distinct blocks: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27.
After each meeting they produced a “top‑five” list for that segment of the campaign. The players who managed to appear in a top‑five 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. Notably, the defending champion Connor, who posted an astonishing 43 assists for Leeds – almost twice as many as any other play‑maker in the competition – was omitted from the final shortlist despite his outstanding contributions throughout the year. Ellery Hanley, one of the panel members, also featured in the panel’s top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller, yet he fell short of the final three.
Adam Keighran secured his place in the shortlist by featuring in the top‑five during the last third of the season, demonstrating consistent impact as the campaign drew to a close. Brad O'Neill, a combative hooker, entered the shortlist after already being honoured with the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award.
His contributions helped Wigan clinch the League Leaders’ Shield, capture the Challenge Cup and dominate the first 80 minutes of the Grand Final. At 24, O'Neill’s relentless tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability have made him an essential component of Matt Peet’s treble‑chasing side. Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back for Leeds, has been a contender for the Man of Steel accolade since the season’s opening weeks.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine matches, thanks to his explosive pace, aerial confidence and defensive work‑rate. No other player has recorded as many as Miller’s 166 tackle busts this term, and his dynamic running has repeatedly turned the tide in Leeds’ favour, especially during periods when the Rhinos were perched atop the league table.
Keighran finished the regular season with an impressive tally of 16 tries and 107 goals. Beyond his scoring prowess, he earned widespread praise for his hard‑hitting defensive style and the seamless partnership he forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, adding another dimension to Wigan’s attacking options.
The Super League play‑offs are now in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue right 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 - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm on Sky Sports As the play‑offs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny, with each hoping to cap an already stellar season with the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
Their performances in the remaining matches could tip the scales in a tightly contested race, and fans will be watching closely to see who ultimately lifts the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel trophy.