The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel has been chosen, and Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill has picked up the prestigious award.
O’Neill saw off teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller to the award, with those three making the final shortlist ahead of this evening’s rugby league awards ceremony.
Chosen by a panel of five icons of the game, the 24-year-old wins his second individual trophy of the year, having already scooped up the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year award.
The hooker, who is a firm contender to be England number nine at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, featured in 25 of the 27 regular season games, scoring three tries and averaging just under 36 tackles per game.
With a tackle efficiency of close to 94%, O’Neill is one of the most dominant and strongest defenders in the competition and has played such a huge part in Wigan’s success this season.
He becomes the 13th Wigan player to pick up the Man of Steel award, and the first since Bevan French in 2023. He becomes the fourth hooker in 13 years to win the honour, following in the footsteps of Daryl Clark, Danny Houghton and Paul McShane.
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Brad O’Neill is the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel 💪🏆#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/nWmKsrFdnj
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 29, 2026
