Two former NRL players on Man of Steel short list in Super League

The short-list for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award for the 2026 season has been announced, with two former NRL playmakers in contention for the prestigious award.

Five former winners of the award have narrowed down the 12-player list into a final three, with the same panel meeting three times during the season to identify the top five performing players at different stages of the year (Rounds 1-9, Rounds 10-18, Rounds 19-27).

The three players shortlisted for the award include Leeds Rhinos' fullback Lachie Miller alongside the Wigan Warriors duo of Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran.

Lachie Miller has had a stellar campaign at fullback for Leeds, leading the league with 166 tackle busts and setting up 18 tries. His season has been brought to a premature end after suffering a torn hamstring.

Miller previously debuted for the Cronulla Sharks in 2022 after a successful stint with NSW Cup side Newtown Jets, before making the switch to the Newcastle Knights on a three-year-deal where he made 12 appearances for the club in the 2023 season.

He was released from the remaining two years of his existing contract, to take up a multi-year deal with the Rhinos, the club he is now starring at.

Wigan Warriors centre, Adam Keighran has too had an exceptional season, scoring 16 tries and setting up a further 13, he topped the panels voting from rounds 19 to 27.

He has built a noteworthy relationship with his winger Zach Eckersley who has crossed for 27 tries this season.

Keighran had a relatively short NRL career, making appearances for both the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters before making the switch to the Super League, where he linked up with French side, Catalans Dragons.

Brad O'Neill is the final player on the short-list, too capping off a memorable campaign with the Warriors, having already been awarded the RLWBA Player of the Year, looking to add the Man of Steel honour in 2026.

O'neill is a dummy-half known for his repeated tackling efforts and exceptional service, making 894 tackles this season to date.

The winner of the Man of Steel Award will be announced Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (UK local time).