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 total weight, a curated group of rugby league journalists supplied 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came directly from Super League supporters.
This hybrid approach ensured that the final squad reflected a balance of expert opinion, media insight, and fan sentiment. When the votes were tallied, the Rhinos were joined by two representatives each from the Wigan Warriors and the Leigh Leopards, while Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique each secured a single spot. The relatively modest presence of the Warriors on the Dream Team may appear surprising, especially considering that they have already clinched a domestic double and remain in contention for a treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Leeds side enjoyed a soaring campaign for the bulk of the season, only to stumble in the crucial clash against Matt Peet’s Wigan outfit, ultimately finishing as runners‑up.
Of the fifteen players named, four have earned Dream Team honors in previous years, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite list. Below is a detailed look at each of the selected athletes, their contributions throughout the regular season, and why they stood out among their peers.
**Full‑back – Sam Miller (Leeds Rhinos)** Miller’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Operating out of the full‑back position, he topped the Man of Steel leaderboard for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender for the remainder of the season.
His ability to link seamlessly with the half‑backs created countless line‑breaking opportunities, and his blistering pace made him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear in the latter stages of the campaign forced him out for the rest of the year, leaving fans to speculate how much further he could have propelled Leeds in the playoffs. **Full‑back – Jai Field (Wigan Warriors)** While Field also delivered a solid performance for Wigan, the statistical consistency of Miller earned the latter the nod for the Dream Team’s full‑back slot. Field’s contributions were nonetheless vital to Wigan’s defensive solidity and attacking flair.
**Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos)** Sivo’s season was a try‑scoring masterclass. Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished as the league’s top try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability.
His combination of power, footwork, and sheer determination made him a constant threat on the edge of the field. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)** Eckersley emerged as a reliable try‑scoring outlet on the wing, crossing the line 27 times – only two shy of Sivo’s total. Over the course of the year he grew into a player Wigan could depend on in both attack and defense, contributing crucial metres and solid tackling. **Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos)** The Rhinos’ captain anchored the centre partnership with his blend of physicality and speed.
Handley’s dominant displays, especially in the latter half of the season, saw him repeatedly break tackles and generate line breaks, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most formidable centre‑players. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards)** Hanley returned from injury after just 16 appearances but made an immediate impact, earning a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
His aggressive running style and ability to create space for teammates earned him back‑to‑back Dream Team selections, with Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam hailing him as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos)** Croft’s playmaking prowess was on full display, as he finished the season second on the try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo. His knack for popping up at the right moment to finish moves, combined with his vision and passing accuracy, secured his return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)** Connor claimed the Man of Steel award for his all‑round contributions, leading the league with an astonishing 43 assists. To put that into perspective, the second‑placed Jackson Hastings managed 29, a full 14 fewer. Connor’s kicking game also proved decisive in tight matches, and his consistency will be crucial as Leeds aim for playoff success.
Harry Smith, another standout scrum‑half for Leeds, was also mentioned as a strong contender throughout the season. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors)** O'Neill was the defensive lynchpin for Wigan, delivering relentless work rate and disciplined aggression. His presence in the middle of the park often dictated the tempo of the game, and his absence was noticeably felt when the Warriors’ performance dipped. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy offered a commendable alternative at hooker, but O'Neill’s overall impact earned him the Dream Team nod.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele was a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing both hard‑running metres and a solid defensive platform. His performances earned him a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup, highlighting his dual threat as a ball‑carrier and a tackler. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue stood out as Leigh’s most influential forward, consistently delivering high‑impact runs and providing an off‑load option that kept the attacking line fluid.
His ability to gain meters and maintain possession under pressure made him a cornerstone of Leigh’s forward pack. **Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Super League Dream Team. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, was exemplary, and his ball‑carrying ability helped open up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos)** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honorees.
Known for his relentless work ethic, McDonnell consistently delivered the hard yards that Leeds relied upon, and his influence was felt whenever he was on the field. **Second‑row – Junior Nsemba (Leeds Rhinos)** Nsemba’s performances earned him recognition alongside his more seasoned teammates, showcasing his growing importance within the Rhinos’ forward rotation.
**Second‑row – Isaiah Vagana (Leeds Rhinos)** Vagana provided a blend of experience and physicality, contributing solid defensive numbers and valuable metres in attack. **Loose‑forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie was a standout for the Wolves, leading the team in tackles and marker tackles throughout the season. His consistency and leadership qualities made him a natural choice for the Dream Team, and he was instrumental in Warrington’s third‑place finish. **Loose‑forward – Oli Partington (Wigan Warriors)** Although not officially selected, Partington was a close contender, having delivered a sensational season for Wigan that resonated strongly with both fans and pundits.
The Dream Team announcement also coincided with the upcoming playoff schedule: Wakefield Trinity face Leigh Leopards on September 18, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR on September 19, followed by semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors on September 25 and 26 respectively. The playoffs will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the best of the best will compete for the ultimate prize.