Super League icon James Roby pays classy tribute to Man of Steel Brad O’Neill following gong

Super League legend James Roby paid tribute to Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O'Neill after the England international won the 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award on Tuesday in Manchester. Roby was part of the five-man selection panel alongside Ellery Hanley, Joe Lydon, Paul Sculthorpe, and Sam Tomkins that voted to award O'Neill the honor ahead of fellow nominees Adam Keighran and Lachie Miller.

Roby praised O'Neill as a worthy winner, highlighting his leadership, passing quality, deceptive play around the ruck, and defensive efforts. O'Neill became only the seventh hooker in history to win the accolade, as well as the first Wigan player to claim the prestigious award since Bevan French in 2023.