Leeds Rhinos duo Jake Connor and Ash Handley have made a striking return to the Steve Prescott Man of Steel rankings, topping the leaderboard for rounds 10 to 18 of the Betfred Super League season after missing the previous shortlist entirely.

Lachie Miller, who led the standings after the first nine rounds, sits in third, while Brad O'Neill of Wigan Warriors claims the fourth spot, contributing significantly to his team's resurgence. Umyla Hanley from Leigh rounds out the top five.

The rankings are determined by a panel of five former Man of Steel winners: Ellery Hanley, Paul Sculthorpe, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, and Joe Lydon. They compile a shortlist, reducing it from ten to five at each stage of the season.

Notably, four of the top five are new entries, with Miller being the sole player to hold his position. Reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor and Ash Handley have returned to prominence, with Sam Tomkins, the ex-England captain, praising their performances. Tomkins stated:

"They have really cemented themselves as frontrunners to make Old Trafford… Jake and Ash combined have been pivotal."

Tomkins highlighted Connor’s outstanding kicking and influence, while he lauded Handley as being in the best form of his career.

Other players receiving votes but missing the top five include Mikey Lewis from Hull KR, currently serving a four-match ban, and Olly Ashall-Bott from Toulouse Olympique. The ten-man shortlist also featured Tyrone May, Daryl Clark, and Maika Sivo, the leading try scorer in the competition.

The panel will reconvene after Round 27 for a final deliberation, with the winner set to be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29.