Man of Steel 2026: Wigan duo join Leeds' Miller on three-man shortlist
Wigan Warriors team-mates Adam Keighran and Brad O'Neill will battle Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller for the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.
The award is Super League's player-of-the-season prize, voted for across the campaign and named in honour of the former Hull, St Helens and England player. The three-man shortlist was confirmed on 23 September BBC Sport.
Keighran's inclusion is the surprise. The 29-year-old centre did not make this season's Super League Dream Team, the select XIII chosen as the best in each position. Yet he finished top of the latest round of Man of Steel voting Super League.
The numbers explain why. He ended the regular season with 16 tries and 107 goals, plus 13 assists, to finish as one of the competition's most productive attacking players All Out Rugby League.
O'Neill took a different route. The hooker — the busy middle player who passes from each tackle and leads the defensive effort — made the Dream Team and came third in that same round of voting. He was also named the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year.
Miller completes the list. The Leeds full-back, the last line of defence and often the man returning high kicks, was also voted into the Dream Team. He recorded 18 assists, almost 3,800 running metres and 166 tackle-busts this season, a measure of how often he broke the first contact.
He will not play again this campaign. Miller suffered a hamstring injury and will miss the rest of the season.
The women's and wheelchair games have their own races. Eva Hunter, Jenna Foubister and Megan Williams are nominated for the 2026 Woman of Steel. Joe Coyd, Rob Hawkins and Tristan Norfolk are shortlisted for the 2026 Wheels of Steel.
What makes this shortlist intriguing is the split. Two Wigan players from the same dominant side. One Leeds runner whose season is already over. For fans, that sets up a straight choice between sustained team control and individual spark.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday, 29 September.
