The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the final trio consists of Wigan Warriors’ dynamic 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 winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who trimmed an initial twelve‑player longlist down to the three contenders who will vie for the prestigious award.
The panel’s methodology was systematic and transparent. Over the course of the season they convened three times, each meeting covering a different segment of the campaign: the first meeting evaluated rounds 1‑9, the second covered rounds 10‑18, and the third reviewed rounds 19‑27. After each review they identified a top‑five group of performers for that particular third of the season.
By the end of the process the following players had appeared in the top‑five at least once: 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 year, the reigning Man of Steel, Connor, was omitted from the final shortlist.
Connor’s season with Leeds Rhinos was remarkable – he recorded 43 assists, a figure that dwarfed the next highest playmaker in the competition by nearly double – yet the panel decided to look elsewhere for the award’s ultimate candidate. Ellery Hanley, who also served on the judging panel, managed to place himself in the top‑five on two separate occasions, matching the achievement of O'Neill and Miller.
However, his name did not survive the final cut to the three‑man shortlist. Keighran, on the other hand, secured a top‑five slot during the season’s concluding third, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent impact player.
Brad O'Neill, the hard‑hitting hooker from Wigan, entered the conversation with a string of accolades already to his name. He had been named the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year after playing a pivotal role in Wigan’s treble‑winning campaign, which included the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a dominant performance in the Grand Final that lasted just 80 minutes. At 24, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, razor‑sharp passing and remarkable durability has made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, which has been chasing historic success throughout the season.
Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel dialogue from the very start of the campaign. He topped the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds and has maintained a high profile ever since.
Miller’s statistics are eye‑catching: he has amassed a staggering 166 tackle busts – the highest total recorded by any player this term – and his explosive running has repeatedly turned games in Leeds’ favour, especially during the period when the Rhinos led the league for an extended stretch. Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals. Beyond his scoring prowess, he has earned widespread admiration for his hard‑hitting defensive work and the seamless partnership he has forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits have complemented Keighran’s contributions.
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. 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 KO on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm KO on Sky Sports As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny.
O'Neill’s leadership in the forward pack, Miller’s attacking flair and Keighran’s all‑round skill set each provide a compelling case for the ultimate individual honour. The Man of Steel award, named after the late Steve Prescott MBE, celebrates not only on‑field excellence but also the spirit and dedication that exemplify the highest standards of rugby league. Whichever of the three ultimately lifts the trophy will have demonstrated a season of consistent brilliance, resilience under pressure, and a lasting impact on their respective clubs’ quests for silverware.