The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now narrowed its field to a three‑player shortlist, featuring 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 winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who were tasked with sifting through an initial pool of twelve candidates and identifying the three most outstanding performers of the season. The panel’s methodology involved three separate meetings spaced across the Super League calendar.
The first session evaluated rounds 1‑9, the second covered rounds 10‑18, and the final meeting reviewed rounds 19‑27. After each segment, the judges compiled a "top five" list of players who had consistently impressed them during that period. By the end of the campaign, the following twelve athletes had appeared in at least one of 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. One notable omission from the final three is the reigning Man of Steel, Connor, who despite delivering a spectacular season for Leeds – tallying an astonishing 43 assists, almost twice the output of any other playmaker in the league – did not make the shortlist.
His exclusion underscores the panel’s emphasis on a broader set of criteria beyond pure statistical output, such as impact in crucial matches, defensive contributions and overall influence on a team’s success. Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, was himself a frequent presence in the top‑five selections, matching O'Neill and Miller as the only players to appear in that elite group on more than one occasion. However, his repeated appearances were not enough to secure a place among the final three candidates.
Adam Keighran earned his spot largely on the strength of his performances in the latter third of the season. The Australian‑born back‑rower was a mainstay in the panel’s top‑five for rounds 19‑27, highlighting his consistency as the season wound down. Keighran finished the regular season with a respectable 16 tries and an impressive 107 goals, figures that reflect his dual threat as a finisher and a reliable goal‑kicker. Beyond the numbers, he has been praised for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with high‑scoring winger Zach Eckersley, a combination that has often turned the tide in Wigan’s favor.
Brad O'Neill, the combative hooker from Wigan, entered the shortlist after a season that saw him claim the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. O'Neill’s contributions were pivotal in Wigan’s pursuit of a historic treble – the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a Grand Final appearance within an 80‑minute window. At 24 years old, O'Neill has matured into a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, renowned for his ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing accuracy and remarkable durability.
His ability to maintain a high work rate throughout the grueling season has made him an indispensable figure in Wigan’s forward pack. Lachie Miller, the Leeds full‑back, has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation since the opening weeks. He topped the panel’s first voting round after the initial nine matches, setting the tone for his campaign.
Miller’s season has been defined by his explosive running game, which has lit up numerous contests for the Rhinos, and his defensive tenacity – he recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts, a testament to his relentless pressure on opposition attackers. His dynamic play has been a key factor in Leeds’ sustained position near the top of the league table throughout the year. The Super League playoffs are currently in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. The schedule includes: - 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 (Kick‑Off) on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5.30 pm (Kick‑Off) on Sky Sports As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players will be under intense scrutiny, with their performances potentially tipping the balance in their respective clubs’ quests for silverware.
O'Neill’s gritty leadership, Keighran’s balanced attacking and defensive skill set, and Miller’s electrifying pace and resilience each embody different facets of what the Man of Steel award seeks to recognise – excellence, influence and consistency at the highest level of rugby league. Regardless of the final outcome, the shortlist highlights the depth of talent across the Super League and underscores the importance of both individual brilliance and collective achievement in shaping a championship‑winning season.