The Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel shortlist has been confirmed by Super League, with Wigan Warriors duo Adam Keighran and Brad O'Neill selected alongside Leeds Rhinos full-back Lachie Miller.
Miller was named the best player in the opening third of the Super League season with Keighran named as the best player in the final third, while O'Neill twice finished in the top five.
Reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor misses out despite another impressive season at Headingley in which he was named the best player of the middle third of the season.
Players named in the top five in any three sections of the season were automatically considered, but the panel, consisting of Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe, have whittled their choices down to Keighran, O'Neill and Miller.
Keighran's inclusion is the most noteworthy, considering he missed out on a place in the Super League Dream Team -- where 50% of the votes come from the Man of Steel panel -- to Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley.
While Miller has enjoyed an excellent campaign with the Rhinos, O'Neill looks well placed to win Man of Steel for the first time. The hooker missed out on Shaun Wane's Ashes squad 12 months ago but has responded superbly, already being named Rugby League Writers & Broadcast Association Player of the Year, and has certainly put himself in coach Brian McDermott's thoughts ahead of this year's World Cup.
The Man of Steel will be confirmed at the Rugby League Awards on Tuesday 29th September.
