The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award has now narrowed its field to a three‑man shortlist, featuring 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 were tasked with trimming an original list of twelve candidates down to the final three.
The panel convened on three separate occasions throughout the Super League season, each meeting covering a different block of fixtures: the first session reviewed rounds 1‑9, the second examined rounds 10‑18, and the third assessed rounds 19‑27. After each review the judges identified a top‑five group for that segment of the campaign.
Over the course of the season, the following players appeared in at least one of those top‑five groupings: 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. Notably, the incumbent Man of Steel, Connor, missed out on the final shortlist despite delivering an outstanding season for Leeds Rhinos, during which he recorded 43 assists – almost twice as many as any other playmaker in the competition.
Ellery Hanley, who sat on the judging panel, also earned a place in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller, yet he did not progress into the final three. Adam Keighran secured his spot by featuring in the panel's top‑five for the last third of the season, highlighting his consistency as the campaign wound down.
Brad O'Neill, a hard‑charging hooker, entered the shortlist after already collecting the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year honour. O'Neill was instrumental in Wigan's treble‑winning run, contributing to the League Leaders' Shield, the Challenge Cup triumph and a dominant performance in the Grand Final, which was decided within 80 minutes. At 24, O'Neill's blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet's side, which has been chasing historic success.
Lachie Miller, the Australian full‑back, has been a fixture in the Man of Steel conversation from the opening weeks of the season. He topped the panel's first voting round after the initial nine fixtures, and his influence has only grown.
Miller has recorded an unprecedented 166 tackle busts this term – the highest total among all players – and his explosive running has repeatedly turned the tide in Leeds' favour, helping the Rhinos maintain a position near the top of the league for much of the year. Keighran's contribution to Wigan extended beyond his try‑scoring prowess; he finished the regular season with 16 tries and 107 goals, while also earning accolades for his hard‑hitting defensive work and his seamless partnership with prolific winger Zach Eckersley. His ability to combine scoring flair with a gritty defensive mindset has been a key factor in Wigan's sustained challenge for the title.
As the Super League playoffs continue to unfold on Sky Sports, the stakes are rising. The schedule includes a Friday night clash on September 18, where Wakefield Trinity fell 26‑16 to Leigh Leopards, followed by a Saturday fixture on September 19 in which Warrington Wolves dispatched Hull KR 35‑12.
The semi‑finals are set for the weekend of September 25‑26: Leeds Rhinos will meet Warrington Wolves on Friday, September 25 at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, while Wigan Warriors take on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m., also on Sky Sports.
The playoffs will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the ultimate Man of Steel will be decided. In summary, the three‑man shortlist reflects a blend of youthful vigor, seasoned experience and all‑round excellence. Brad O'Neill represents the relentless work ethic and tactical intelligence of a modern hooker, Adam Keighran embodies the dual threat of a goal‑kicking playmaker and a defensive stalwart, and Lachie Miller showcases the game‑changing speed and attacking flair of a top‑class full‑back. Their performances across the season have not only earned them individual accolades but have also propelled their respective clubs toward silverware, making the upcoming Grand Final a fitting stage to crown the 2026 Man of Steel.