From Sky Sports · · 2m
Man of Steel 2026: Three finalists named
Brad O'Neill, Adam Keighran and Lachie Miller are shortlisted for rugby league's top individual award.
In brief
Brad O'Neill, Adam Keighran and Lachie Miller are shortlisted for rugby league's top individual award. Wigan Warriors have two of the three finalists for the 2026 Man of Steel award, with reigning winner Jake Connor surprisingly excluded from the shortlist. Originally reported by Sky Sports.
Three finalists for Man of Steel
Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran from Wigan Warriors and Lachie Miller from Leeds Rhinos are the three nominees for the 2026 Man of Steel award. The winner will be announced on September 29.
Selection panel narrowed field
Five former Man of Steel winners including Ellery Hanley and Sam Tomkins met three times across the season to evaluate players in three separate periods. They narrowed a 12-player list down to the final three.
Reigning champion Connor excluded
Jake Connor, the 2026 Man of Steel winner, did not make the final three despite recording 43 assists for Leeds Rhinos, nearly double any other playmaker in the competition.
O'Neill wins Writers award
Brad O'Neill, 24, has already claimed the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year award. The combative hooker helped Wigan to the League Leaders' Shield and Challenge Cup.
Miller leads in tackle busts
Lachie Miller has made 166 tackle busts this season, more than any other player. The Australian full-back's running game has been central to Leeds Rhinos' success as long-time league leaders.
Keighran scores 16 tries
Adam Keighran finished the regular season with 16 tries and 107 goals while also earning praise for his hard-hitting defence. He has formed a strong partnership with winger Zach Eckersley.
Hanley made top five twice
Umyla Hanley from Leigh Leopards was the only other player besides O'Neill and Miller to appear in the panel's top five on two separate occasions, but still missed the final three.
Wigan chasing treble
Wigan Warriors have two of the three Man of Steel finalists and are within 80 minutes of the Grand Final on October 3 while chasing a treble of trophies.
What matters most
Wigan Warriors have two of the three finalists for the 2026 Man of Steel award, with reigning winner Jake Connor surprisingly excluded from the shortlist.
