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: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the overall weighting, a curated group of rugby league journalists accounted for 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league's passionate fan base. When the votes were tallied, the Rhinos emerged with the largest representation, joined by two Wigan Warriors, two Leigh Leopards, and single representatives from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique.
Many observers might find the relatively modest number of Warriors in the lineup surprising, especially considering that Wigan have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they reach the Grand Final. In contrast, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a strong campaign for most of the season, only to stumble in the decisive clash against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up.
Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite list. Below is a detailed look at each of the chosen athletes and the contributions that earned them a place among the best performers of the 2026 regular season. **Full‑back –** The spotlight shines on the Rhinos’ dynamic full‑back, who has been a revelation this year. After leading the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds, he continued to feature prominently throughout the middle portion of the campaign.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has forced him out of the playoffs, leaving supporters to wonder how much further his influence could have taken Leeds. His partnership with the half‑backs has been electrifying, and his blistering speed makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the full‑back role, the Leeds man was deemed the most consistent across the competition. **Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Sivo’s year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still topped the league’s try‑scoring chart with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His try‑per‑game ratio remained extraordinary, underscoring his status as a premier finisher. **Wing – Ethan 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 season he has become a versatile winger who contributes not only with his feet but also with solid defensive work, making him a cornerstone of Wigan’s attacking structure.
**Centres – Ash Handley (Leeds)** The Rhinos’ captain has dominated the centre position for the bulk of the campaign. Handley combines raw power, speed, and an uncanny ability to break tackles, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His leadership on the field has been evident, and his performances have consistently placed him among the league’s elite centres. **Centres – Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Hanley returned from injury to play only 16 games, yet his impact was immediate and profound.
His form earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, and his aggressive, “fierce” style – praised by head coach Adrian Lam – secured him a second consecutive Dream Team berth. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft’s playmaking prowess has been a highlight of Leeds’ spine. He finished the season as the second‑highest try scorer in the league with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo. His knack for finding gaps and creating scoring opportunities earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, topped the assist chart with a staggering 43 assists, outpacing the second‑placed Jackson Hastings by 14. His precise kicking game and vision have been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking fluency, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team selections reflect his consistency at the highest level. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half spot. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** O'Neill has been the defensive lynchpin for a Warriors side poised to claim the title.
His tackling numbers are among the best in the league, and his disciplined aggression has elevated him to the status of the premier hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also performed admirably, O'Neill’s presence has been a clear determinant of Wigan’s defensive solidity. **Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for a Wakefield side that achieved its highest ever Super League finish.
His relentless meter‑gaining runs and solid defensive contributions earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup, highlighting his growing reputation on the international stage. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player of the season. His powerful carries rank among the league’s best, and his off‑load ability keeps the attack alive even when under pressure, providing a constant threat to opponents.
**Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic first for Toulouse Olympique, as he becomes the club’s inaugural Dream Team member. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball effectively have been crucial to the French side’s competitiveness.
**Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft, and Hanley as repeat honorees. Known for his relentless work rate and hard‑running style, he consistently makes the tough yards and provides a physical presence that Leeds rely on. **Second‑row – Junior Nsemba (Leeds)** Nsemba’s performances have earned him recognition alongside his more experienced teammates, adding depth to Leeds’ forward pack. **Second‑row – Isaiah Vagana (Leeds)** Vagana has also impressed in the second‑row, contributing solid defensive numbers and supporting the team’s forward momentum.
**Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season has been highlighted by his high tackle count and reliability in the loose forward role. As a leader on the field, he has been a constant for Sam Burgess’ side, helping Warrington secure a third‑place finish and earning him a well‑deserved Dream Team slot. **Additional Mentions** While not making the final eleven, Oli Partington’s strong year for Wigan was likely a close contender in the voting process. **Play‑off Schedule** The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity traveling to Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves host Hull KR at 5:30 p.m. The first semi‑final is slated for Friday, 25 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos against a to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 p.m., and the second semi‑final follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors facing their opponent at 5:30 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. In summary, the 2026 Dream Team showcases the depth of talent across the Super League, with Leeds Rhinos providing the largest contingent. Their players have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and impact throughout the season, and many will now look to translate their regular‑season success into playoff glory.