The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now unveiled its final three nominees: Wigan Warriors’ hard‑working forward Brad O'Neill, fellow Warrior Adam Keighran, and 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 initial list of twelve candidates down to the ultimate trio. The selection process was structured around the three phases of the Super League season. The panel convened three separate times, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27.
After each review the judges identified a top‑five group for that particular third of the season. Over the course of the year, the same twelve players repeatedly appeared in those top‑five rankings: 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 an outstanding year for Leeds, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the final cut. His season was remarkable – he recorded 43 assists, a figure that dwarfed the output of any other playmaker in the competition – yet the panel ultimately favored the three aforementioned players.
Ellery Hanley, who also featured in the panel’s top‑five on two occasions, matched O’Neill and Miller in consistency but fell short of the final three. Adam Keighran earned his place by securing a top‑five slot in the panel’s assessment of the season’s final third. His contributions in the latter stages of the campaign proved decisive, highlighting his ability to deliver when the stakes were highest. Brad O’Neill, a combative hooker renowned for his aggressive tackling and precise distribution, entered the shortlist with a trophy cabinet already brimming with accolades.
He had previously been named the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year after playing a pivotal role in Wigan’s treble‑winning season – the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a dominant performance in the Grand Final, all achieved within an 80‑minute span. At 24, O’Neill’s durability, tactical intelligence and relentless work rate have made him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s side, which continues to chase silverware.
Australian import Lachie Miller has been a constant presence in Man of Steel conversations since the opening weeks of the campaign. He topped the panel’s first vote after the initial nine rounds, thanks to a season‑long display of explosive speed, evasive running and defensive tenacity.
No other player has matched Miller’s 166 tackle busts this term, and his ability to break the line and create scoring opportunities has lit up many matches for the Rhinos, who spent much of the season atop the league table. Keighran’s statistical output further underlines his impact. He concluded the regular season with 16 tries and a remarkable 107 goals, showcasing his versatility as both a finisher and a reliable kicker.
Beyond the numbers, his hard‑hitting defensive work and the fluid partnership he forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley have earned him widespread praise from coaches and pundits alike. The Man of Steel shortlist arrives as the Super League playoffs are in full swing, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
The 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) The playoff series will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the ultimate champion of the season will be crowned. As the competition intensifies, the three nominees – O’Neill, Keighran and Miller – will be under close scrutiny, each hoping to add the prestigious Man of Steel accolade to their growing list of achievements.