Brad O’Neill of Wigan Warriors named 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel
Celebrations continue for Wigan as multiple award wins mark Rugby League Awards Night
Wigan Warriors' Brad O’Neill has been honoured with the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester, marking an incredible season for the England hooker.
O'Neill, 24, had already secured a place in the Betfred Super League Dream Team and claimed the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year award earlier this month.
He saw off competition from Leeds Rhinos’ Lachie Miller and Wigan team-mate Adam Keighran to win the sport’s most prestigious individual accolade.
The award decision was made by a panel of five former winners — Ellery Hanley MBE, Paul Sculthorpe MBE, Joe Lydon, James Roby and Sam Tomkins — who joined O'Neill on stage.
The Announcement will be recapped in "Man of Steel: The Panel" airing free on Super League+ tomorrow.
Wigan Warriors shined bright at the awards, with Matt Peet crowned Betfred Super League Coach of the Year, following his impeccable leadership to secure both the League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup.
Betfred Super League Young Player of the Year went to St Helens star Harry Robertson, who won for the second year running, overcoming Wigan half-back Jack Farrimond and Warrington Wolves teenager Ewan Irwin.
Jenna Foubister, Wigan's dynamic England half-back, claimed the Woman of Steel award, while Denis Betts was named Betfred Women’s Super League Coach of the Year.
However, Leeds Rhinos' Connie Boyd broke the Wigan streak by securing Betfred Women’s Super League Young Player of the Year.
Honours extended with Rob Hawkins of Halifax Panthers named Wheels of Steel winner while London Roosters’ Max Owen and Edinburgh Giants’ Martyn Gill took home the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Young Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
Additional achievements included Leeds Rhinos’ Maika Sivo as Super League top try-scorer with 29 efforts, Bradford Bulls’ Joe Mellor with Top Tackler at 1,075, and Huddersfield Giants’ Amelia Brown celebrated as Women’s Super League top try-scorer.
Across the Championship, London Broncos' Gairo Voro was named Betfred Championship Player of the Year, over contenders from Oldham RLFC and Doncaster RLFC.
Widnes Vikings’ Allan Coleman won Championship Coach of the Year, and Midlands Hurricanes’ Sully Medworth received Young Player of the Year.
The awards showcased the depth of talent across the league, highlighting not just standout performances, but also the promising future of Rugby League.