The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a striking six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The Dream Team was compiled using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30 percent was supplied by a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent reflected the preferences of Super League supporters. After the ballots were tallied, the final eleven‑man squad comprised six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation for Wigan Warriors may raise eyebrows, especially considering they have already secured a domestic double and are still in contention for a historic treble should they reach the Grand Final.
Brad Arthur’s side rode high for most of the campaign, only to stumble against Matt Peet’s Warriors in the closing stages and ultimately settle for second place. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honors, while the remaining nine are newcomers to the elite lineup.
Below is an in‑depth look at each of the chosen athletes and the reasons they stood out during the regular season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in the full‑back role throughout 2026, consistently topping the Man of Steel points table during the first nine rounds and remaining in the conversation for the remainder of the season. His explosive speed, crisp footwork and intuitive link‑up play with the half‑backs have made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear curtailed his campaign just as the playoffs approached, leaving fans to speculate on how much further his influence could have propelled Leeds.
**Full‑back – Wigan’s Jai Field** While Field also delivered solid performances for the Warriors, Miller’s consistency and impact earned him the top full‑back spot in the Dream Team. Field’s contributions, however, remain highly regarded and he continues to be a key figure in Wigan’s attacking structure.
**Wing – Leeds' Maika Sivo** Sivo’s year was nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20, he was crossing the try‑line at an astonishing rate, finishing the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries. Remarkably, he achieved this tally despite missing six matches, underscoring his lethal finishing ability. His combination of power, acceleration and uncanny positional sense makes him one of the most feared finishers in the competition.
**Wing – Wigan's Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scoring outlet on the wing for the Warriors, amassing 27 tries – just two shy of Sivo’s total. Over the course of the season he has become a versatile weapon, contributing both in attack and defense, and earning the trust of his coaching staff as a dependable component of Wigan’s backline. **Centre – Leeds' Ash Handley (Captain)** Handley has been the dominant centre for the majority of the campaign.
As captain, his blend of physicality, speed and ball‑handling has made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. He consistently breaks tackles, creates line‑breaks and provides a solid defensive anchor, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier centre‑players. **Centre – Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Hanley featured in only 16 matches due to a mid‑season injury, yet his impact when fit was undeniable.
His explosive form earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup and secured his second consecutive Dream Team selection. Leigh coach Adrian Lam praised him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced, a sentiment reflected in Hanley’s aggressive running lines and relentless defensive work‑rate.
**Stand‑off – Leeds' Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking prowess saw him finish second in the league’s try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo. His ability to read the game, create scoring opportunities and finish himself makes him a dual threat.
After a four‑year absence from the Dream Team, Croft’s resurgence highlights his importance to Leeds’ attacking spine. **Scrum‑half – Leeds' Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor captured the Man of Steel award and earned back‑to‑back Dream Team honors thanks to his record‑breaking 43 assists, a figure 14 more than the next best creator, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking, vision and ability to orchestrate the Rhinos’ attack have been pivotal, and his consistency will be crucial as Leeds aim for playoff success.
Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half slot. **Hooker – Wigan's Brad O'Neill** O'Neill has been the cornerstone of Wigan’s defensive structure, delivering relentless work‑rate and disciplined aggression. His presence stabilises the forward pack, and the team’s performance noticeably dips when he is absent, underscoring his value as the league’s standout hooker.
Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, but O'Neill’s influence on a title‑contending side was decisive. **Prop – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele helped Wakefield achieve their highest ever Super League finish.
His powerful carries and meters‑gaining ability have been a constant threat, while his selection for the England squad ahead of the World Cup attests to his defensive solidity and forward momentum. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s most influential player this season.
His high‑impact runs rank among the league’s best, and his off‑load skill adds an extra dimension to the Leopards’ attack, ensuring the ball remains alive even under pressure. **Second‑Row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse player to earn Dream Team honours. He excels in the defensive line, particularly with marker tackles, and his strong ball‑carrying creates space for his teammates, making him a vital link between defense and attack. **Second‑Row – Leeds' James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections.
His consistency, high tackle counts and relentless work ethic have been essential for Leeds, and his absence is felt whenever he is off the field. **Second‑Row – Junior Nsemba (Leigh)** Nsemba’s performances have been noteworthy, providing solid defensive work and contributing valuable meters in the middle of the park. **Second‑Row – Isaiah Vagana (Leigh)** Vagana has impressed with his versatility and impact, adding depth to Leigh’s forward rotation.
**Loose Forward – Warrington’s Ben Currie** Currie’s relentless tackling, both in open play and at the marker, has made him a linchpin for the Wolves. His leadership qualities and consistency earned him a place in the Dream Team and cemented his reputation as a true talisman for Warrington.
The Dream Team selections reflect a blend of seasoned veterans and breakthrough talents, highlighting the depth of quality across the Super League in 2026. The upcoming playoffs commence on Friday, 18 September, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
Key fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards (18 September, 8 pm), Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR (19 September, 5:30 pm), and the semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors later in the month.