Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill has been voted as the 2026 Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA), with Huddersfield Giants’ owner Ken Davy also recognised.

O’Neill, who was selected to the Super League Dream Team as well, has landed the prestigious award for the first time after an impressive season in cherry and white.

After a bitter end to his 2025 campaign that saw him sin binned in the Grand Final loss to Hull KR before being omitted from the England squad for the Ashes, O’Neill has bounced back and been the clear standout hooker across Super League.

That saw him earn Dream Team selection but the Wigan Warriors man has now been recognised by the RLWBA after winning the vote among journalists.

He becomes the eighth Wigan Warriors player to win the award with current teammates Bevan French [2020] and Jai Field [2022] among others at the club to win the award.

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Wigan Warriors man becomes second hooker to land RLWBA player of the year

What’s impressive about O’Neill’s win is that he becomes only the second hooker to land the award since its inception in 1996, with St Helens’ James Roby [2018] the other number nine to win it.

Others who were nominated include Brodie Croft [who this writer voted for], Jake Connor, Jai Field, Bevan French, Adam Keighran, Lachie Miller and Harry Smith but it was O’Neill who came out on top, securing more than 30% of the votes.

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

“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.”

The winner of the RLWBA’s other award, the Merit Award, was won by Huddersfield Giants’ owner Ken Davy, who has announced that he will step down from the day-to-day running of the club.

Davy took over as chairman in 1996 and though he has resigned that position, he still remains committed to the club with his investment seeing Huddersfield upgrade Dewsbury’s stadium for their 2027 move.

Hunt said: “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.

“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.”

Brad O’Neill has been voted the 2026 Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) 👏

Meanwhile, Ken Davy OBE has won the RLWBA’s Merit Award for services to the sport and its presentation in the media 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JxKqztJhJT

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) September 17, 2026