FORMER BRONCOS DUO MAKES THE SHORTLIST
Former Brisbane Broncos players Brodie Croft and Joe Ofahengaue have been recognised among the nominees for the 2026 English Super League Man of Steel award.
Croft and Ofahengaue are part of a 10-player shortlist for one of the most prestigious individual honours in English rugby league, highlighting the strong seasons both former Broncos have produced since continuing their careers overseas.
Their nominations provide another reminder of the talent that has emerged from Brisbane before making an impact elsewhere.
CROFT AMONG THE CONTENDERS
Croft, 26, has enjoyed a strong campaign in the Super League and has earned recognition alongside some of the competition’s leading performers.
The halfback’s nomination adds another significant achievement to his career after leaving the NRL and establishing himself in the English competition.
His performances have helped keep him firmly in contention for the individual award, with the final decision set to be determined at the end-of-season awards.
OFAHENGAUE ALSO RECOGNISED
Joe Ofahengaue, 105, is the other former Broncos player included among the 10 finalists.
The experienced forward has built an impressive reputation during his career and has continued to make his presence felt in the Super League.
His inclusion alongside Croft gives Brisbane supporters another reason to follow the awards closely, with two former members of the club’s playing group now competing for one of English rugby league’s biggest individual honours.
TEN PLAYERS IN CONTENTION
The shortlist features a mixture of established Super League stars and standout performers from the 2026 season.
Alongside Croft and Ofahengaue are Adam Keighran, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Brad O’Neill, Jai Field, Jake Connor, Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Umyla Hanley.
Each player has been recognised for their contribution throughout the campaign, with the award ultimately going to the individual judged to have produced the strongest overall season.
A MAJOR INDIVIDUAL HONOUR
The Man of Steel award is one of the major individual prizes in the English game.
Winning it represents recognition for a player’s performances across the Super League season and places the recipient among the competition’s most influential performers.
For Croft and Ofahengaue, simply reaching the final shortlist represents significant recognition of their work in England.
AWARD NIGHT IN MANCHESTER
The winner will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29, UK time.
The ceremony will bring together some of the biggest names from the English rugby league season as the competition celebrates its leading players and achievements.
BRONCOS FANS HAVE PLENTY TO FOLLOW
The nominations are particularly noteworthy for Brisbane supporters, who will have the opportunity to watch two former Broncos players compete for the same prestigious individual honour.
Croft and Ofahengaue have taken different paths since leaving the NRL environment, but both have now earned recognition on the English game’s biggest individual stage.
The final announcement in Manchester will determine which of the 10 shortlisted players takes home the 2026 Man of Steel award.