The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a striking six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process blended three distinct voting blocs: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the total weight, a curated group of rugby league journalists supplied 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league’s fan base. When the votes were tallied, the final eleven comprised six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and single representatives from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique.
Many observers might find the modest Warrior presence surprising, especially given that Wigan have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, meanwhile, enjoyed a soaring campaign for most of the season before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Of the eleven honourees, four have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining seven are first‑time selections.
Below is an in‑depth look at each of the players who earned a place among the season’s elite, along with the context that underpinned their inclusion. **Full‑back –** *Sam Miller (Leeds)* Miller has been a revelation at full‑back throughout 2026, hitting his stride early and maintaining a high level of performance across the first nine rounds, where he topped the Man of Steel points tally.
His blend of blistering pace, incisive footwork and intuitive link‑up play with the halves made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear curtailed his campaign just as the playoffs loomed, leaving fans to speculate on the impact his presence might have had in the knockout stages. In comparison, Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, but Miller’s consistency earned him the top honour in that position. **Wing –** *Maika Sivo (Leeds)* Sivo’s year was nothing short of spectacular.
Prior to a forearm injury that sidelined him after round 20, he amassed an astonishing 29 tries, enough to finish as the league’s top try‑scorer despite missing six matches. His ability to finish from a variety of angles, combined with his raw power, made him a nightmare for opposition defences. The sheer volume of his scoring underlines his status as a try‑scoring phenom.
**Wing –** *Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)* Eckersley has been Wigan’s reliable try‑scoring outlet on the flank, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total. Over the season he has developed into a winger who contributes not only in attack but also in defensive duties, making him a well‑rounded asset for the Warriors.
**Centre –** *Ash Handley (Leeds)* The Rhinos’ captain has been the dominant force in the centre channel for most of the campaign. Handley’s combination of size, speed and ball‑carrying power has made him extremely difficult to halt, and his leadership on the field has been a key factor in Leeds’ strong performances. His consistent impact earned him a place in the Dream Team for the second consecutive year. **Centre –** *Umyla Hanley (Leeds)* Hanley’s season was brief but brilliant; after returning from injury he featured in just 16 games yet displayed such form that he secured an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup.
His aggressive running style and defensive tenacity impressed both his coach, Adrian Lam, and the selection panel, resulting in back‑to‑back Dream Team appearances. **Stand‑off –** *Brodie Croft (Leeds)* Croft’s playmaking and try‑scoring prowess placed him second overall in the league’s try‑scoring chart with 28 strikes, just one behind his own winger Sivo. His ability to seize scoring opportunities and create space for teammates made him an indispensable part of the Rhinos’ spine, marking his return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence.
**Scrum‑half –** *Jake Connor (Leeds)* Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, topped the assist leaderboard with a remarkable 43 set‑ups, a full 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking game and vision have been vital to Leeds’ attacking fluency, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team selection reflects his continued excellence. Fellow scrum‑half Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the honour.
**Hooker –** *Brad O'Neill (Wigan)* O'Neill has been the defensive lynchpin for a Warriors side that appears poised to capture the title. His relentless tackling, measured aggression and ability to organise the middle‑third defence have set him apart as the standout hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s performance is unmistakable – the team’s output noticeably dips when he is absent.
**Prop –** *Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)* Hamlin‑Uele has been a near‑constant presence in a Wakefield side that recorded its highest ever Super League finish. His powerful runs and defensive solidity earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup, and his contributions in both attack and defence have been a cornerstone of the club’s success. **Prop –** *Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)* Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s standout forward, consistently delivering high‑impact metres and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept the opposition on the back foot.
His performances placed him among the league’s top prop‑makers and cemented his reputation as a game‑changing player. **Second‑Row –** *Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)* Jussaume made history by becoming the first Toulouse Olympique player to earn a Dream Team spot.
His defensive work rate, especially in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball effectively helped open up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑Row –** *James McDonnell (Leeds)* McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honourees. Known for his relentless work ethic, McDonnell’s hard‑running and defensive contributions have been vital for Leeds, and his absence is always felt on the field.
**Loose Forward –** *Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)* Currie’s season was highlighted by his high tackle count and leadership qualities. As a constant presence in Sam Burgess’ side, he has been described as a talismanic figure, providing both defensive stability and forward momentum for the Wolves, who finished third in the league. The Dream Team selections underline the depth of talent across the Super League and set the stage for an exciting playoff series.
The first semi‑final sees Leeds Rhinos host a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on September 25, while Wigan Warriors will take the field against another qualifier on September 26. The playoffs commence on September 18 with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards, followed by Warrington Wolves against Hull KR on September 19. The culmination of the season will be the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the league’s finest will battle for ultimate glory.