Wigan Warriors star Brad O'Neill fourth in latest Man of Steel rankings as top 10 revealed

Brad O’Neill’s performances for Wigan Warriors have been recognised by the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel panel, who have placed him fourth in the latest rankings.

The 23-year-old hooker has been one of Wigan’s standout performers so far this year, having started all 23 of his appearances, as well as helping Matt Peet’s side lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley in May.

O’Neill has been placed fourth in the latest Man of Steel leaderboard, with the panel - consisting of Ellery Hanley MBE, Paul Sculthorpe MBE, Sam Tomkins, James Roby and Joe Lydon - having made their latest picks based on rounds 10 to 18.

Leeds Rhinos pair Jake Connor and Ash Handley have claimed joint-top spot in the latest rankings, with Brad Arthur’s side sitting top of the table after 19 rounds. Their Leeds team-mate Lachie Miller bagged the same accolade for the opening nine rounds of the competition, but the Australian was picked in third this time around as the race for the award heats up as Super League enters the final third of the season.

The five-strong panel, who have all won the Man of Steel award previously, whittled down a 10-man shortlist to reach their conclusions from rounds 10 to 18.

Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, didn’t even make the cut for the 10-man shortlist from rounds one to nine, and neither did centre Handley - but their form in the second third of the season has seen them ranked amongst Super League’s best, according to the panel.

Speaking on the second episode of Man of Steel - The Panel, Tomkins said: “As always, it was really difficult whittling down to the final five.

“But I think the two guys that top it - Jake Connor and Ash Handley - fully deserve it. That’s given Leeds are the form team in the competition, with some great results over this nine-round period. They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford, and I think Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal in that.

“We’re seeing the best of Jake again. His kicking has been outstanding, his try assists and his influence – the way he runs that side of the pitch – is clear for everyone to see. And Ash Handley is certainly in the best form of his career. That’s without doubt, in my opinion.

“For so long, he was really close, and you could have argued he was slightly inconsistent at times in previous years. But in this last block of nine games, Ash has been a standout player in Super League.

“He’s been quality every single week. I love the way the Leeds side look to him to be a leader as well. Not only does he provide tries – so many for Super League’s top scorer Maika Sivo – score tries and does all the hard work, but he’s always the one that the lads seem to be looking at as well.

“He’s certainly at the top of his game - and deserves to be at the top of our list.”

O’Neill came fourth in the panel’s ranking, while Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley was in fifth, having helped Adrian Lam’s side climb the Super League ladder in recent months.

With the top five having been ranked, the panel have also disclosed who makes up the top 10. Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis, who won the Man of Steel in 2024, and Toulouse Olympique fullback Olly Ashall-Bott, also claimed votes but not enough to challenge the top five.

The other players in the top 10 were Hull KR halfback Tyrone May, Leeds winger Sivo and St Helens hooker Daryl Clark.

Miller, Sivo, May and Clark have been in the reckoning in both editions.

The panel will meet again after Round 27 before having a final deliberation to decide their three-man shortlist and eventual winner, which will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29.