Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller has been named top of the Super League Man of Steel shortlist at this early stage of the season with last year’s winner and Miller’s teammate Jake Connor unplaced.
That’s certainly divided opinion, with the five-man voting panel that consists of five former Super League Man of Steel winners also split as they whittled down a ten-man list to a top five.
It was Miller who came out on top with Hull KR pair Jez Litten and Tyrone May sat in second and third with former winners Brodie Croft and Daryl Clark placed fourth and fifth.
That means there was no spot for last year’s Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor on the list and whilst the stats may suggest he’s not having as much of an impact as in 2025, many pundits agree that he’s been even better.
Serious About Rugby League put it to the fans about whether they agreed with Lachie Miller being selected as the current front-runner and of course, opinion was split.
We’ve selected a few of the best replies with plenty backing the Rhinos speedster whilst a number of other Super League stars, including Jake Connor, saw their names put forward.
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Super League fans react to early Man of Steel rankings
Responding to a post shared on Serious About Rugby League’s Facebook page, here are a selection of the 60+ comments.
Stephen Wicks: Jake Connor has been outstanding this season and playing better than last year when he started as full-back. I agree that Miller and Croft should be in the top 10 but Jake takes top place for me currently.
Jason Joyce: He (Miller) has been good but not sure he’s top of the pile? Tyrone May has been the standout up to now, 13 assists and two tries in the last six games but it’s early in the season.
Andrew Lawson: Jake Connor is a stronger candidate in my opinion.
Jamiie Addy: Gutted Jake Connor has not made top five.
Lee Michael Morley: Miller has been awesome this season. Man of Steel for me so far.
Ian Lionel Mark Rutter: Very good this season, however, Jake has run everything at Leeds.
Paul Hugh McGuigan: Between Miller and Litten for me, and May a close third.
Lance Busby: He should’ve got it last year in my opinion. Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Brodie Croft and Lachie Miller should all be in the mix up to now. Mikey Lewis looks back to his best, but Warrington and Saints have a few players who have to be in the mix.
Eddie Howgate: Top for tackle busts and carries, 3rd for try assists and metres made, 6th for offloads, and an absolute nightmare to play against for any defence. Where consistency was an issue in 2024, he has really found his groove last year and in 2026. Absolutely deserved!
