The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process blended three distinct voting blocs: half of the weight came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30 percent was contributed by a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent reflected the preferences of Super League supporters.
When the votes were tallied, the final eleven comprised six Rhinos, two Wigan Warriors, two Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of the Warriors on the Dream Team may raise eyebrows, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they reach the Grand Final.
Brad Arthur’s side flew high for most of the campaign before stumbling against Matt Peet’s Wigan outfit, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Of the eleven chosen, four have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining seven are newcomers to the elite lineup.
Below is a detailed look at each of the selected players, their contributions throughout the regular season, and why they stood out among their peers. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, flourishing in the full‑back role. He topped the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender for the remainder of the season. His speed, vision and ability to link with the halves produced countless line‑breaking opportunities.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear curtailed his campaign just as the playoffs approached, leaving fans to wonder how much further his impact could have taken Leeds. Nonetheless, his performances earned him a spot as the league’s most consistent full‑back, edging out Wigan’s Jai Field.
**Wing – Leeds' Maika Sivo** Sivo’s 2026 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished as the competition’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His combination of power and pace made him a nightmare for defenders, and his try‑scoring rate remained astonishingly high even when he was sidelined.
**Wing – Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley provided a steady supply of metres on the wing for the Warriors, crossing the try‑line 27 times—just two shy of Sivo’s tally. Over the season he evolved into a reliable option on both attack and defence, cementing his status as a key component of Wigan’s offensive structure. **Centres – Leeds’ Ash Handley and Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Handley, the Rhinos captain, dominated the centre positions for most of the year. His blend of brute strength, speed and ball‑handling made him extremely difficult to contain, and his leadership on the field was evident in Leeds’ consistent performances.
Hanley, after returning from injury, featured in only 16 games but made such an impact that he earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His performances were so compelling that Leigh coach Adrian Lam described him as the toughest competitor he has ever faced, and Hanley secured back‑to‑back Dream Team selections. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking abilities shone brightly this season. He finished the campaign second on the try‑scoring list with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo, highlighting his knack for finding the try‑line as well as creating opportunities for teammates.
His inclusion marks a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. **Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was the league’s leading assist‑maker with 43 assists, a full 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking game and vision were pivotal for Leeds throughout the year, and his consistency earned him a second consecutive Dream Team slot.
Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a noteworthy contender for the scrum‑half position. **Hooker – Wigan’s Brad O’Neill** O’Neill was a constant presence in Wigan’s pack, providing a blend of aggressive defence and measured aggression that set the tone for the Warriors’ defensive unit.
His performances were so integral that the team’s overall output noticeably dipped when he was off the field. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed at hooker, but O’Neill’s influence was decisive.
**Second‑Row – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele was a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing heavily to both defence and forward momentum. His relentless metre‑gaining runs helped the club achieve its highest ever Super League finish.
His form earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup, underscoring his status as a dual‑threat player. **Second‑Row – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s standout forward, consistently topping the gain charts and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept the attack alive. His ability to break tackles and generate forward momentum made him a vital piece of Leigh’s game plan.
**Second‑Row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team. He excelled in the defensive line, particularly in marker tackles, while also providing strong ball‑carrying that opened up attacking opportunities for his side.
**Loose Forward – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team appearance (including 2025) thanks to his relentless work rate and consistency. When he is on the field, Leeds’ forward momentum improves noticeably, highlighting his importance to the Rhinos’ engine room. **Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie’s season was highlighted by his high tackle count and reliability in the loose forward role for the third‑placed Wolves.
His leadership qualities and consistent performances made him a natural choice for the Dream Team. Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who likely received strong vote support after an outstanding year for Wigan.
The playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR the next day. Semi‑finals are slated for 25 and 26 September, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. The Dream Team selections reflect the individual brilliance that shaped the 2026 Super League season, with Leeds Rhinos clearly providing the majority of that elite talent.