The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, featuring a trio of standout performers: Wigan Warriors’ hard‑working Brad O'Neill, fellow Warrior Adam Keighran, and Leeds Rhinos’ electrifying full‑back Lachie Miller. The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel of five former Man of Steel recipients – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who trimmed an initial pool of twelve candidates down to the final three. The panel’s methodology was systematic and transparent.
Over the course of the season they convened three separate meetings, each focusing on a different segment of the campaign: rounds 1‑9, rounds 10‑18 and rounds 19‑27. After each meeting they identified a top‑five group for that particular third of the season.
By the end of the process a cumulative list of players who had featured in the top five at any stage emerged. That list comprised 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 reigning Man of Steel, Connor, missed out on the final shortlist despite delivering a spectacular season for Leeds Rhinos. Connor amassed an astonishing 43 try assists – nearly twice the output of any other playmaker in the league – underscoring his creative influence, yet the panel’s criteria placed greater emphasis on other aspects of performance throughout the year.
Ellery Hanley, who served on the judging panel, also found himself in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a distinction he shares only with O'Neill and Miller. However, his repeated appearances were not enough to secure a place among the final three contenders. Keighran, on the other hand, earned a top‑five slot during the last third of the season, cementing his reputation as a consistent threat in the latter stages of the campaign.
Brad O'Neill’s credentials extend beyond the Man of Steel conversation. The combative hooker has already been honoured with the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award, a testament to his pivotal role in Wigan’s treble‑winning season. O'Neill helped the Warriors capture the League Leaders’ Shield, lift the Challenge Cup, and reach the Grand Final within an 80‑minute window.
At just 24 years old, his blend of ferocious tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has made him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s side, which is chasing historic success. Miller’s impact has been felt from the very start of the season.
The Australian full‑back quickly entered the Man of Steel dialogue, topping the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds. His attacking prowess is evident in the staggering statistic of 166 tackle busts – the highest total recorded by any player this term – and his dynamic running has repeatedly turned matches in Leeds’ favour. Miller’s ability to break the line, combine with teammates, and finish with clinical precision has been a key factor in Leeds maintaining a position near the top of the league for much of the campaign. Keighran’s contributions are equally impressive.
He concluded the regular season with 16 tries and a remarkable 107 successful goal kicks, showcasing his versatility as both a try‑scorer and a reliable kicker. Beyond his offensive output, Keighran has earned accolades 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 all‑round game. 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. 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 on Sky Sports (knock‑out) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs Wakefield Trinity, 5:30 pm on Sky Sports (knock‑out) As the playoffs progress, the three nominees – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – will be closely watched to see if they can translate their regular‑season excellence into decisive performances on the sport’s biggest stage.
Their inclusion on the shortlist not only reflects individual brilliance but also highlights the broader narrative of a season defined by intense competition, tactical innovation and moments of sheer athletic brilliance across the Super League. Whether any of the three will ultimately claim the coveted Man of Steel trophy remains to be seen, but their achievements thus far have already cemented their status as some of the most influential players in the 2026 campaign.