Man of Steel shortlist for final third of season revealed

The shortlist of ten players to come under consideration in the third episode of Man of Steel: The Panel has been revealed.

Wigan Warriors quintet Adam Keighran, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Brad O’Neill and Jai Field along with Leeds Rhinos duo Jake Connor and Brodie Croft all come under the microscope in the latest edition of the show which airs on Monday night.

Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Leigh Leopards front-row Joe Ofahengaue and Leigh centre Umyla Hanley are the other names jostling for recognition for their Betfred Super League performances from Round 19 to Round 27. 

Panellists Ellery Hanley MBE, Paul Sculthorpe MBE, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon, all previous winners of the prestigious award, enjoy some lively discussion as they vote to decide on a top-five.

The programme, exclusive to SuperLeague+ and available FREE, is hosted by Brian Carney.

Former St Helens and England hooker Roby admitted: "There's been some terrific individual performances in the last nine rounds of the regular Super League season.

"There's plenty of debate in the show and it's never easy whittling the ten down to five.

"We don't all agree - you can tell that with the voting - but the final five is impressive and they'll now go into our thinking when it comes to making our final decision on the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel."

The Panel will next decide on a final three-man shortlist to encompass the whole season before meeting one last time to deliberate their overall winner who will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday September 29.