Wigan Warriors once again proved their dominance across the Super League awards ceremony, walking away with the most prestigious individual honours. Brad O'Neill was officially crowned the 2026 Super League Man of Steel, while Jenna Foubister earned the title of Woman of Steel, highlighting the club's strength on both the men’s and women’s sides.
The night also celebrated the coaching staff, as head coach of the men’s squad, Matt Peet, and the women’s coach, Denis Betts, each received a Coach of the Year award. Their dual triumphs capped a spectacular evening for the Wigan organisation, underscoring the depth of talent and leadership that has propelled the club to the forefront of the competition.
O'Neill’s rise to the pinnacle of individual recognition was hardly a surprise. The combative hooker had already collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year trophies earlier in the season, a testament to his consistency and impact. His contributions were instrumental in guiding Wigan to the League Leaders’ Shield, a hard‑fought Challenge Cup victory, and an almost‑perfect run that saw the team fall just 80 minutes short of the Grand Final title. At 24 years old, O'Neill combines relentless tackling, razor‑sharp passing accuracy and a durability that makes him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s game plan.
In the final voting, he edged out fellow Warriors teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic play‑maker Lachie Miller, securing the Man of Steel accolade with a clear margin. On the women’s side, Jenna Foubister displayed the same blend of skill and determination that has become the hallmark of Wigan’s female squad. She faced stiff competition from two of her own teammates, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, but emerged victorious, earning the Woman of Steel award. Foubister’s performances throughout the season—marked by incisive runs, solid defensive work and an ability to change the momentum of games—were pivotal in maintaining Wigan’s reputation as a powerhouse in the women’s league.
The awards night also shone a spotlight on the league’s emerging talent. St Helens’ rising star Harry Robertson was named Super League Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, confirming his status as one of the sport’s most promising prospects. In the women’s game, Leeds’ promising youngster Connie Boyd received the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, highlighting the growing depth of talent across both genders.
In a nod to the broader rugby league community, Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins was honoured as the 2026 Wheels of Steel winner, recognising his outstanding contributions and commitment to the sport. Looking ahead, the Grand Final is set for Saturday, 3 October, with a 6 p.m. kick‑off at the iconic Old Trafford—dubbed the "Theatre of Dreams"—and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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 that was relocated to Hull due to extraordinary circumstances. To date, ten different clubs have contested the final, and the event continues to grow in stature each year. The list of clubs that have walked through the tunnel at Old Trafford now includes eleven names: St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and the newly added Wakefield Trinity.
However, only five of these—Wigan, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds and Hull KR—have actually lifted the trophy, leaving the rest dreaming of joining that exclusive roll of honour. This season’s Grand Final carries a historic footnote: for the first time, the showdown will not feature any of the traditional heavyweights—Wigan, Leeds or St Helens—among the finalists. One of the remaining contenders, either Warrington or Wakefield, is poised to break the pattern and become the next club to add its name to the winners’ list. Fans are encouraged to tune in via Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports+, with pre‑match coverage beginning at 5 p.m.
and the decisive kick‑off scheduled for 6 p.m. The broadcast promises in‑depth analysis, player interviews and a look back at the season’s most memorable moments, ensuring viewers experience the full drama of what is arguably the most anticipated event on the rugby league calendar. For the best viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player and smoother streaming performance.
As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, anticipation builds across the rugby league community, with supporters eager to see which club will finally claim the coveted trophy and write a new chapter in Super League history.