Wigan Warriors have once again demonstrated their dominance in the rugby league world, capturing the majority of the top honours at this year’s awards ceremony. The club’s star forward, Brad O'Neill, was officially recognised as the 2026 Super League Man of Steel, while the talented Jenna Foubister earned the prestigious Woman of Steel award, underscoring Wigan’s strength across both the men’s and women’s competitions. The night was also a celebration for the coaching staff.
Matt Peet, who leads the Warriors’ men’s side, and Denis Betts, the head coach of the women’s team, each received a Coach of the Year award. Their dual triumphs highlighted a rare moment of collective success for a single club, reflecting the depth of talent and strategic acumen present at Wigan. Brad O'Neill’s accolade was the culmination of an extraordinary season. Prior to the Man of Steel award, O'Neill had already secured the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year titles, a testament to his consistency and impact.
He played a pivotal role in guiding Wigan to the League Leaders’ Shield, a victorious Challenge Cup campaign, and a hard‑fought Grand Final appearance that fell just short after an 80‑minute battle. At 24 years old, O'Neill’s combination of ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing, and remarkable durability has made him a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s tactical setup. In the final voting, he edged out fellow Warrior Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic back Lachie Miller to claim the ultimate individual prize.
On the women’s side, Jenna Foubister’s rise has been equally impressive. The award ceremony saw her surpass fellow Wigan teammates Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, both of whom were also strong contenders.
Foubister’s performances throughout the season have been marked by relentless work‑rate, intelligent decision‑making, and an ability to influence matches at crucial moments. Her recognition as Woman of Steel not only celebrates her personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on the growing competitiveness and professionalism of women’s rugby league. Other notable winners included St Helens’ prodigy Harry Robertson, who was named Super League Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s brightest prospects.
In the women’s game, Leeds’ emerging talent Connie Boyd received the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, highlighting the depth of youthful talent across the league. Additionally, Halifax Panthers’ forward Rob Hawkins was honoured with the 2026 Wheels of Steel award, acknowledging his relentless work ethic and contribution to his team’s forward pack.
The awards ceremony also served as a reminder of the upcoming Grand Final, scheduled for Saturday, 3 October, with a 6 pm kick‑off at the iconic Old Trafford stadium – often referred to as the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with pre‑match coverage beginning at 5 pm.
Since its inception in 1998, the Grand Final has traditionally been held 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, though only five – Wigan, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds, and Hull KR – have ever lifted the trophy. This season, the list of clubs that have walked through the tunnel at Old Trafford expands to eleven, as Wakefield join the ranks of St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves, and Hull KR. However, many of these teams have yet to experience the ultimate glory of a Grand Final victory.
Historically, the championship has been dominated by a small elite, and the upcoming final promises to be historic: for the first time, neither Wigan, Leeds, nor St Helens will be represented, opening the door for a new club to claim the coveted silverware. Speculation is already rife that either Warrington or Wakefield could become the next name etched onto the trophy. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback of the live broadcast, ensuring the best possible viewing experience.
As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, anticipation builds across the league, with supporters eager to see which side will break the long‑standing pattern and add their name to the exclusive list of Super League champions. In summary, Wigan Warriors’ sweeping success at the awards night – from the Man and Woman of Steel honors to the dual Coach of the Year recognitions – reflects a club operating at the very highest level of the sport. Their achievements set a benchmark for excellence and provide a compelling narrative heading into what promises to be a landmark Grand Final, one that could reshape the history books of Super League rugby.