Super League launches in under two months time and it’s time to make some bold, and probably too early, Man of Steel predictions.

The award handed to the standout player in the competition is a prestigious one and it’s often unpredictable as well, as evidenced by Jake Connor winning it last year in his debut season with Leeds Rhinos.

Connor become just the third Leeds Rhinos man to win the award during the Super League era, following in the footsteps of Iestyn Harris and Zak Hardaker.

Prior to Connor, Mikey Lewis and Bevan French had won it and they head the betting this year with the Wigan man a marginal favourite at 7/1 compared to 15/2.

We’ve picked out five bold Man of Steel contenders who range in price from 20/1 to 40/1, getting progressively bolder throughout the ranking. Prices are taken from Super League’s title sponsor Betfred and are correct at the time of writing.

Who could be a surprise Super League Man of Steel winner in 2026?

Lachie Miller (Leeds Rhinos) – 20/1

The least bold selection on the list is Leeds Rhinos’ Lachie Miller with the full-back proving to be elite at his position in 2025, and even placing in the top 10 for the Man of Steel race. His decision-making has improved massively and his game-breaking ability remains, making him a player who can easily rack up points despite being in a team full of stars.

Will Pryce (Hull FC) – 25/1

Getting progressively bolder now with Hull FC man Will Pryce, who will benefit massively from a full pre-season at the club having joined mid-season in 2025. A more settled spine and an injury-free year could see the 23-year-old reach the potential that saw NRL side Newcastle Knights take a shot on him.

Toby Sexton (Catalans Dragons) – 33/1

An NRL signing who has already signed elsewhere for 2027. Toby Sexton comes in with a big reputation and he’ll have a big task on his hands, with Catalans in a rebuild and lacking any real continuity. If the French outfit can return to the play-offs with Sexton at the helm, there’s no reason why he can’t challenge for this honour. For an even bolder and bonus shout, his teammate Lewis Dodd at 66/1 could be overpriced.

Blake Taafe (Castleford Tigers) – 40/1

So often Man of Steel winners hail from teams who overachieve and that’s the bold gamble here. If Castleford perform as they have done in recent years then Taafe won’t get a sniff but if they can push towards the brink of the play-offs under Ryan Carr, then their NRL recruit full-back could be at the heart of that success.

George Whitby (St Helens) – 40/1

The boldest prediction on the list for a number of reasons. It all comes down to whether George Whitby can establish himself in the St Helens spine, which may take some doing given Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax and former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, who is priced nicely at 28/1, are all competing for his spot.

Saints fans have been baying for Whitby to start with his talent obvious to all who watch but whether a 19-year-old is given the keys under Paul Rowley is to be seen, never mind whether he can put together a Man of Steel-worthy season.

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