A five‑member panel of former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – trimmed an initial twelve‑player longlist to the final three after three meetings that reviewed rounds 1‑9, 10‑18 and 19‑27 of the season.
Brad O’Neill, 24, earned a place on the shortlist after a season in which he helped Wigan secure the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a spot in the Grand Final within 80 minutes of the final. The combative hooker also collected the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year award for his tough tackling, precise passing and durability.
Australian full‑back Adam Keighran, also of Wigan, finished the regular campaign with 16 tries and 107 goals. His hard‑hitting defence and partnership with winger Zach Eckersley were highlighted by the panel, which placed him in its top‑five for the final third of the season.
Leeds Rhinos’ Lachie Miller has been a constant presence in the Man of Steel conversation, topping the panel’s first vote after the opening nine rounds. The Leeds full‑back recorded a league‑leading 166 tackle busts and contributed heavily to his side’s attacking threat, keeping the Rhinos near the top of the table throughout the campaign.
The shortlist also underscores the surprise omission of reigning Man of Steel Connor, who posted a league‑best 43 assists for Leeds but failed to make the final three. Other players who featured in the panel’s seasonal top‑five include Jake Connor, Umyla Hanley, Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Brodie Croft, Daryl Clark, Ash Handley, Bevan French and Jai Field.
The awards come as the Super League playoffs are in progress, with the Grand Final scheduled for October 3 at Old Trafford. The shortlist will be decided after the conclusion of the postseason, adding another storyline to an already dramatic finish to the 2026 campaign.