Wigan Warriors star Brad O'Neill named RLWBA Player of the Year after standout season

Wigan Warriors star Brad O’Neill has been voted the 2026 Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) following a standout campaign with his boyhood club.

The RLWBA introduced its own Player of the Year award in Super League’s maiden season in 1996, and O’Neill becomes the eighth Wigan player to win it, joining a distinguished list which stretches back to Andy Farrell in 1997 and includes his current teammates Bevan French (2020) and Jai Field (2022).

O’Neill has played a key role for Matt Peet’s side this season, helping the Warriors lift the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield, while earning his place in the Super League Dream Team for the first time.

The 24-year-old is only the second hooker to win the award, following St Helens legend James Roby (2018), and takes the award ahead of other nominees Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Adam Keighran, Lachie Miller, Harry Smith, French and Field.

Meanwhile, Ken Davy OBE has won the RLWBA’s Merit Award for services to the sport and its presentation in the media, in recognition of his support of Huddersfield Giants for the last three decades.

The RLWBA’s Merit Award stretches back even further to 1983, and Davy will receive the Arthur Brooks Trophy, named in memory of a long-serving former Daily Mirror rugby league correspondent.

“We’re delighted to recognise the outstanding contributions made to the sport by Brad O’Neill on the field for Wigan Warriors this season, and by Ken Davy OBE off the field for over three decades at the Huddersfield Giants,” said Trevor Hunt, the chair of the RLWBA.

“Brad is the sort of tough, no-nonsense player whose contribution is often overlooked, but it’s clear from any conversation with his teammates and coaches, and the Wigan supporters, that he is hugely respected and valued by everyone at The Brick Community Stadium.

“He won more than 30 per cent of the votes cast by our members, and it’s great to give him this deserved recognition.

“It’s not for us to make Brian McDermott’s selection for the World Cup, but we hope Brad has a few more big performances in him this autumn wearing the England shirt in Australia.

“We are also pleased to recognise Ken Davy for the commitment and loyalty he has shown to the Huddersfield Giants since he first took over as chairman in 1996.

“They weren’t in the Super League then, and they hadn’t played in the top division for almost two decades, but Ken’s investment has established them as a Super League club for 28 of the last 29 seasons, during which they have regularly been play-off contenders, winning the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013.

“They have also reached three Challenge Cup finals, and it was impossible not to feel for Ken as the Giants fell at the final hurdle at Twickenham in 2006, Wembley in 2009 and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022.

“Following his decision in June to stand down as chair, this is a fitting time for the RLWBA to show our appreciation for Ken’s contribution.”