Wigan Warriors have once again demonstrated their dominance across the Super League awards ceremony, walking away with the most prestigious honours. In a night that celebrated individual brilliance and coaching excellence, Brad O'Neill was officially crowned the 2026 Super League Man of Steel, while Jenna Foubister earned the coveted Woman of Steel trophy.
The club’s success was further highlighted by the dual triumph of its head coaches: Matt Peet, who leads the men’s side, and Denis Betts, who oversees the women’s team, each received a Coach of the Year award, underscoring Wigan’s all‑round superiority this season. Brad O'Neill’s journey to the Man of Steel accolade has been nothing short of spectacular. The combative hooker, already a recipient of the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year honours, played a pivotal role in Wigan’s campaign, helping the club secure the League Leaders’ Shield and a hard‑fought Challenge Cup victory.
His performances were instrumental in guiding the Warriors to within a single match of the Grand Final, falling just 80 minutes short of a place in the championship decider. At 24 years old, O'Neill’s blend of ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing accuracy, and remarkable durability has transformed him into a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s tactical setup. In the final voting, O'Neill bested his own teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic playmaker Lachie Miller, clinching the top individual prize. On the women’s side, Jenna Foubister’s rise to the Woman of Steel award mirrored her male counterpart’s brilliance.
Foubister faced stiff competition from fellow Wigan players Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, both of whom had also enjoyed standout seasons. Nevertheless, her consistency, leadership on the field, and ability to change the tempo of matches earned her the distinction. Her award not only celebrates her personal achievements but also highlights the growing strength and visibility of the women’s game within the Super League framework.
The evening also shone a spotlight on emerging talent. St Helens’ Harry Robertson was named Super League Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, a testament to his continued development and impact at a young age.
In the women’s division, Leeds’ promising youngster Connie Boyd received the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, signalling a bright future for the sport. Adding to the list of individual recognitions, Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins was honoured as the 2026 Wheels of Steel winner, a special award that acknowledges outstanding contribution and dedication to the game. Looking ahead, the Grand Final is set to take place on Saturday, 3 October, with a 6 p.m.
kick‑off at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, affectionately known as the ‘Theatre of Dreams.’ The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing fans across the nation with a front‑row seat to the season’s climax. Since its inception in 1998, the Grand Final has traditionally been hosted at Manchester United’s home ground, with the sole exception of the 2020 edition, which was relocated to Hull due to extraordinary circumstances.
Over the years, ten different clubs have earned the right to compete for the trophy, and the event has become a hallmark of British sport. The list of clubs that have graced the Grand Final tunnel now includes Wakefield, joining the ranks of St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves, and Hull KR. However, not every team that has walked through those doors has lifted the silverware.
Historically, only five clubs—Wigan, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds, and Hull KR—have managed to hoist the coveted trophy, leaving the rest of the Super League hopeful that one day they might add their names to that exclusive roll of honour. This year’s Grand Final carries an additional historical footnote: for the first time in the competition’s history, none of the traditional powerhouses—Wigan, Leeds, or St Helens—will be represented. The stage is set for either Warrington or Wakefield to break new ground and become the sixth club to claim the title, a narrative that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the showdown. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience when streaming the event.
The broadcast will commence with pre‑match coverage at 5 p.m., leading into the live action at 6 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+. As anticipation builds, the rugby league community eagerly awaits a Grand Final that promises to be both historic and unforgettable, with Wigan Warriors’ recent award haul serving as a reminder of the high standards the club has set for excellence across both the men’s and women’s competitions.