Wigan Warriors once again demonstrated their dominance in the rugby league world by clinching the majority of the season's top honors. In a glittering awards ceremony, Brad O'Neill was officially recognized as the 2026 Super League Man of Steel, while Jenna Foubister earned the prestigious Woman of Steel title, underscoring the club's all‑round excellence across both the men’s and women’s squads.
The night also celebrated the strategic brilliance behind the scenes. Matt Peet, the head coach of the Warriors’ men’s team, and Denis Betts, who leads the women’s side, each received a Coach of the Year award. Their back‑to‑back recognitions highlighted the synergy between coaching acumen and player performance that has propelled Wigan to the forefront of the competition. Brad O'Neill’s journey to the Man of Steel award was built on a season of relentless consistency and high‑impact play.
The combative hooker had already secured the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year accolades, a testament to his influence on Wigan’s successful campaign. O'Neill was instrumental in guiding the club to the League Leaders’ Shield, a dominant run in the Challenge Cup, and a near‑miss in the Grand Final, falling just 80 minutes short of the ultimate prize. At 24 years old, O'Neill combines ferocious tackling, razor‑sharp passing accuracy, and remarkable durability, making him an indispensable component of Matt Peet’s tactical setup.
In the award showdown, he outperformed fellow Warriors teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos’ dynamic playmaker Lachie Miller, securing the top individual honor for the second time in his burgeoning career. On the women’s side, Jenna Foubister’s selection as Woman of Steel reflected her pivotal role in Wigan’s ascent. She faced stiff competition from her own teammates Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, both of whom were also nominated for the award.
Foubister’s decisive performances throughout the season, marked by leadership on the field and an ability to turn matches in Wigan’s favor, earned her the distinction. The awards ceremony also shone a spotlight on emerging talent.
St Helens’ Harry Robertson was named Super League Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, confirming his status as one of the sport’s brightest prospects. In the women’s game, Leeds’ Connie Boyd captured the Women's Young Player of the Year award, signalling a promising future for the club’s development pipeline. Adding to the list of individual accolades, Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins received the 2026 Wheels of Steel award, recognizing his contributions to the game beyond the usual statistics. Looking ahead, the Super League Grand Final is set to unfold on Saturday, 3 October, with a 6 p.m.
kickoff at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, affectionately known as the "Theatre of Dreams." The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with additional coverage on Sky Sports+ starting at 5 p.m. This will be yet another chapter in the Grand Final’s storied history, which has been hosted at Manchester United’s home ground since its inception in 1998, with the sole exception of the 2020 final held in Hull due to extraordinary circumstances. Since the Grand Final’s debut, ten different clubs have contested the championship match, and the list of participants continues to grow. The most recent addition is Wakefield, joining 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.
While many of these clubs have walked through the tunnel at Old Trafford, only a select few—Wigan, St Helens, Bradford, Leeds, and Hull KR—have actually lifted the coveted trophy. This year’s final carries a historic twist: for the first time, the showdown will not feature any of the traditional powerhouses Wigan, Leeds, or St Helens. The absence of these three giants opens the door for a new champion to emerge, potentially adding Warrington or Wakefield to the exclusive list of Grand Final winners.
Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience when streaming the event. The Grand Final promises to be a blockbuster occasion, with the drama of a season‑long narrative culminating on one of the world’s most famous football stages. Whether you are a lifelong supporter of the sport or a casual viewer, the 2026 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford is poised to deliver unforgettable moments, high‑octane action, and the crowning of a new champion in the annals of rugby league history.