The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features an impressive six‑man contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process blended three distinct voting blocks: 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 passionate fan base. When the votes were tallied, the final XI comprised six Leeds players, two from the Wigan Warriors, two representing the Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation of the Warriors may raise eyebrows, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they advance to the Grand Final.
In contrast, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a soaring campaign for most of the season, only to stumble in the crucial encounter against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have enjoyed Dream Team honors in previous years, while the remaining nine are newcomers to the elite lineup. Below is a comprehensive look at each of the athletes who have been judged the best performers over the regular 2026 Super League season.
**Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, establishing himself as a premier full‑back with a blend of speed, vision and attacking flair. He led the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the campaign.
Unfortunately, a severe hamstring injury forced him out for the remainder of the season, leaving supporters to wonder how much further his influence could have propelled Leeds in the playoffs. His partnership with the half‑backs was electrifying, and his ability to exploit gaps in broken‑play situations made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the same position, Miller’s consistency earned him the nod as the league’s top full‑back for the year. **Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Sivo’s 2026 season was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still topped the try‑scoring charts with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His rate of scoring was so high that even with the missed games he remained the league’s leading try‑scorer, underscoring his importance to Leeds’ attacking engine. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)** Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scorer for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total.
Over the course of the season he has become a cornerstone on the wing, offering both try‑scoring threat and defensive solidity, and proving himself a player Wigan can count on in every facet of the game. **Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds)** The Rhinos’ captain has been the dominant force in the centre positions throughout the campaign.
Handley combines raw power with surprising speed, making him extremely difficult to contain. His leadership on the field has been evident, and his ability to break tackles and create line‑breaks has contributed heavily to Leeds’ offensive success.
**Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Hanley returned from injury after just 16 appearances but made an immediate impact, delivering performances that earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His explosive style and ability to generate momentum for the team have cemented his place in the Dream Team for a second consecutive year.
**Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft’s playmaking prowess was on full display, and he finished the season second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries, only one behind his own winger Sivo. His vision, kicking accuracy and knack for finding gaps have made him a vital component of Leeds’ spine. After a four‑year absence from the Dream Team, Croft’s resurgence has been a major storyline of the season.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, led the league in assists with a remarkable 43, a full 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking game and ability to orchestrate attacks have been instrumental in Leeds’ consistency. Connor’s back‑to‑back Dream Team selections underline his status as one of the premier playmakers in the competition.
**Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** O'Neill has been a near‑constant presence for the Warriors, anchoring their defensive structure with relentless work rate and disciplined aggression. His contributions have been pivotal, and his absence noticeably affects Wigan’s overall performance, highlighting his importance to the side. **Prop – Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield)** Smoothy’s performances in the front row have drawn praise, but O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s machine has been deemed more decisive by many observers. Nonetheless, Smoothy’s work rate and impact in the middle have been vital for Wakefield’s historic finish.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for the Trinity, consistently gaining metres and providing a solid defensive platform. His selection to the England squad ahead of the World Cup reflects his growing reputation as a reliable, high‑impact forward.
**Second‑row – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player this season. His powerful carries rank among the highest in the league, and his off‑loading ability ensures the attack remains fluid whenever he is in possession.
**Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic first for Toulouse, as he becomes the inaugural Olympique player to make the Dream Team. He has been a defensive stalwart, excelling in marker tackles, while also providing strong ball‑carrying that opens up attacking opportunities for his side.
**Loose Forward – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell earns his fourth Dream Team spot, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections. His consistency and hard‑working style have made him a linchpin for the Rhinos, often turning games in Leeds’ favour with his relentless effort. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season has been exemplary, featuring among the league’s leaders in total tackles and marker tackles.
As a constant presence in Sam Burgess’ side, his leadership and reliability have earned him a well‑deserved place in the Dream Team. Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective roles, and Oli Partington, who likely received strong vote support after a sensational year with Wigan.
The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Key fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, and semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors later in the month.