Wigan Warriors have once again demonstrated why they are the benchmark club in English rugby league, sweeping the most prestigious individual honours at the 2026 awards ceremony. In a night that celebrated both male and female excellence, Brad O'Neill was crowned the Super League’s Man of Steel, while Jenna Foubister earned the title of Woman of Steel. The accolades did not stop there – both of the club’s senior coaches, Matt Peet (men’s side) and Denis Betts (women’s side), were recognised as Coaches of the Year, underscoring a truly dominant performance across the board. Brad O'Neill’s rise to the pinnacle of the sport has been nothing short of meteoric.
The 24‑year‑old hooker, already a dual winner of the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award, was instrumental in Wigan’s extraordinary season. His contributions helped the Warriors secure the League Leaders’ Shield, capture the Challenge Cup, and push the Grand Final into the final 80 minutes – a testament to his consistency and impact. O’Neill’s game‑changing blend of ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing accuracy and remarkable durability has turned him into a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s tactical setup. In the award ceremony, he edged out fellow Warriors teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic play‑maker Lachie Miller to claim the Man of Steel trophy, a decision that reflected his all‑round influence on Wigan’s success.
On the women’s side, Jenna Foubister’s performance has been equally compelling. The young star navigated a competitive field that included fellow Warriors players Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, ultimately emerging as the standout candidate for Woman of Steel. Foubister’s combination of speed, vision and defensive tenacity has made her a vital component of the Warriors’ women’s squad, and her recognition at the awards ceremony highlights the growing depth and quality of the women’s game within the club.
The coaching accolades further cemented Wigan’s night of triumph. Matt Peet, who has guided the men’s team to a series of historic achievements, was honoured as Coach of the Year. His strategic acumen, player management skills and ability to extract peak performances from his squad have been pivotal in establishing Wigan as the standard‑bearer of the Super League.
Across the gender divide, Denis Betts received the same honour for his work with the women’s side, showcasing his expertise in developing talent and fostering a winning culture. Other notable award recipients included St Helens’ Harry Robertson, who was named Super League Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s brightest prospects. In the women’s game, Leeds’ Connie Boyd captured the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, signaling a promising future for the club’s emerging talent. Additionally, Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins was recognized as the 2026 Wheels of Steel winner, an award that celebrates exceptional physical conditioning and resilience.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the Grand Final, set to take place on Saturday, 3 October, at the iconic Old Trafford – often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams" – with a 6 pm kick‑off. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with pre‑game coverage beginning at 5 pm. Since its inception in 1998, the Grand Final has traditionally been staged 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 contested the final, and the event continues to be the pinnacle of the Super League calendar. The roster of clubs that have walked out of the Old Trafford tunnel is now eleven, following Wakefield’s recent promotion alongside stalwarts such as St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR.
However, only a select few – Wigan, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds and Hull KR – have actually lifted the coveted trophy, leaving the rest to aspire to that elite group. This year’s Grand Final is poised to be historic, as it will be the first occasion in which neither Wigan, Leeds nor St Helens are represented among the finalists, opening the door for a new champion to emerge.
Fans are encouraged to view the live broadcast using a Chrome browser for optimal video player performance. The anticipation builds as the league’s best teams prepare to clash on one of football’s most revered stages, promising a showcase of skill, strategy and raw passion that will define the 2026 season.