The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and the Leeds Rhinos have secured a commanding presence with six of their players making the lineup. 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 contributed by a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent reflected the opinions of Super League supporters. When the votes were tallied, the final roster featured six Rhinos alongside two representatives from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and single entries from Wakefield Trinity, the Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique.
The relatively modest representation for Wigan may raise eyebrows, especially considering that they have already secured a domestic double and are still chasing a treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a spectacular run for most of the campaign, only to stumble in the crucial clash against Matt Peet’s Warriors, ultimately finishing the regular season in second place. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the other nine are newcomers to the elite list.
Below is a detailed look at each of the chosen individuals, highlighting why they stood out during the 2026 regular season. --- **Full‑back:** The spotlight shines on the Rhinos’ full‑back, who has been a revelation this year.
He topped the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the season. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to wonder how much further his impact could have been. His partnership with the half‑backs has been electrifying, and his speed makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the same role, the Leeds player was voted the most consistent full‑back across the competition. --- **Wingers:** The wing positions feature a try‑scoring juggernaut and a rising star whose breakthrough year has set his career alight.
Before a forearm injury in round 20, the winger racked up an astonishing 29 tries, finishing as the league’s top try‑scorer despite missing six games. His prolific output underscores his finishing ability. On the opposite wing, a Wigan winger has also been a potent threat, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of the league leader – and establishing himself as a reliable scorer and defensive asset for his club. --- **Centres:** In the centre channel, Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley claim the honours.
Hanley, limited to 16 appearances due to an earlier injury, returned in spectacular form, earning a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. While Adam Keighran of the Warriors has also been impressive, it is the Leigh centre who has shone brightest, receiving back‑to‑back Dream Team selections.
His head coach, Adrian Lam, praised him as the toughest competitor he has ever faced. Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, has been a dominant force in the middle of the field all season, combining raw power, speed, and an ability to break tackles that has made him a constant headache for opponents. --- **Stand‑off:** Brodie Croft represents Leeds at stand‑off and has enjoyed a renaissance, finishing second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries – just one behind the league’s top winger.
His knack for finding the try‑line at crucial moments has earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. --- **Scrum‑half / Play‑maker:** The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, secures the scrum‑half spot for the second consecutive year.
His play‑making credentials are evident in his league‑leading 43 try assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best creator, Jackson Hastings. Connor’s kicking accuracy and vision have been pivotal for Leeds, and he will be eager to translate his regular‑season consistency into playoff success. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong campaign and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half role.
--- **Hooker:** Brad O’Neill has been a near‑constant presence for Wigan, anchoring their defensive structure with unmatched aggression and discipline. His contributions have been essential to a side that appears poised to capture the championship. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy has also impressed, O’Neill’s influence is such that his absence noticeably hampers his team’s performance.
--- **Prop / Forward:** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, helping them achieve their highest ever Super League finish. His relentless meter‑gaining runs and defensive solidity earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. Similarly, Joe Ofahengaue has been a standout for Leigh, consistently delivering strong carries and off‑load options that keep the attack fluid. --- **Second‑row:** Mathieu Jussaume makes history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team.
His defensive reliability, especially in marker tackles, and his ability to break the line with powerful runs have been vital for the French side. James McDonnell of Leeds secures his fourth Dream Team appearance, having also featured in the 2025 lineup. His consistency in the hard‑working back row has been a key factor in the Rhinos’ success, and his absence is keenly felt when he is off the field. --- **Loose forward:** Ben Currie rounds out the squad for Warrington Wolves, earning his spot after a standout season that helped the club finish third.
Currie’s tackle count, including crucial marker tackles, and his leadership qualities have made him a talisman for the side. While Oli Partington likely received strong support in the voting, Currie’s impact secured his place. --- The Dream Team selections set the stage for an exciting playoff series, which kicks off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports at 8 p.m. The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5:30 p.m.
The semi‑finals are scheduled for 25 and 26 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors against yet‑to‑be‑determined opponents, before the Grand Final concludes the season at Old Trafford on 3 October. Overall, the 2026 Dream Team reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, with Leeds Rhinos providing the largest contingent. Their representation underscores the club’s strong performances throughout the regular season and sets high expectations for the upcoming playoff battles.