The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features an impressive six representatives from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process blended three distinct voting blocs: half of the weight (50%) came from the expert Man of Steel panel, a further 30% was contributed by a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20% reflected the preferences of Super League supporters. After tallying the votes, the final lineup comprised six Leeds players, two from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, the Warrington Wolves and the French side Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of Wigan players may surprise some observers, especially given that the Warriors have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a possible treble if they advance to the Grand Final.
In contrast, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a season of sustained excellence, soaring high for the bulk of the campaign before stumbling in the decisive clash against Matt Peet’s Wigan side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the chosen athletes have earned Dream Team honours in previous years, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite list. Below is a detailed look at each of the selected individuals, why they stood out during the regular season, and what their inclusion says about the balance of power in the 2026 competition. --- **Full‑back – Leeds’ standout** Leeds’ full‑back, whose pace and attacking flair have lit up the league, has been a constant presence at the top of the Man of Steel leaderboard for the first nine rounds and remained a serious contender throughout the second third of the season.
His ability to link up with the half‑backs creates a dynamic, high‑tempo offense that has been a nightmare for opponents in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to speculate on how much further his influence could have taken Leeds.
In comparison, Wigan’s Jai Field has also performed admirably in the full‑back role, but the Leeds player’s consistency earned him the top spot in the voting. --- **Wing – Try‑scoring dynamo** On the right wing, Maika Sivo delivered a spectacular year, crossing the try‑line 29 times to finish as the league’s top scorer despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury suffered in round 20.
His scoring rate was so prolific that even with the missed games he still outpaced every rival. Opposite him, Wigan’s winger (Eckersley) notched 27 tries, positioning himself as a reliable source of points and a cornerstone of Wigan’s attacking structure.
Both players demonstrated the blend of speed, strength, and positional awareness that defines elite wing play. --- **Centres – Leeds’ powerhouse duo** The centre positions were claimed by Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley. Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, combined raw power with surprising acceleration, making him a formidable barrier for any defence throughout the season. His leadership on the field has been a key factor in Leeds’ strong performances.
Hanley, despite playing only 16 games after returning from injury, displayed such high‑calibre form that he earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His aggressive running and defensive tenacity have been praised by Leigh coach Adrian Lam, who described him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced. Both centre selections underscore the impact of experience and resilience. --- **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft’s resurgence** Leeds’ stand‑off, Brodie Croft, made a notable comeback to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence.
He finished the season second overall in the try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one shy of Sivo, highlighting his knack for finding the try line from the half‑back position. Croft’s vision, quick decision‑making and ability to exploit defensive gaps have been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking rhythm.
--- **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor’s play‑making masterclass** The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, earned his second consecutive Dream Team spot thanks to an astonishing 43 assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best creator, Jackson Hastings. Connor’s precise kicking, sharp game‑reading, and ability to orchestrate attacks have made him the central engine of the Rhinos’ offense. His consistency throughout the year positions him as a prime candidate to influence the high‑stakes playoff matches. --- **Hooker – Brad O’Neill’s defensive dominance** Brad O’Neill of Wigan was a near‑constant figure in the middle of the park, providing a blend of aggressive tackling and disciplined aggression that has become the hallmark of Wigan’s defensive structure.
His work rate and reliability have earned him recognition as the standout hooker of the season. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also performed admirably, O’Neill’s presence was so vital that Wigan’s performance noticeably dipped when he was off the field.
--- **Second‑row – Wakefield’s rising star** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, representing Wakefield Trinity, was a key component of the club’s most successful league finish in its history. His powerful carries and relentless meter‑gaining runs helped the team consistently break through opposition lines. His defensive solidity and selection for the England squad ahead of the World Cup further underline his growing reputation on the international stage.
--- **Second‑row – Leigh’s workhorse** Joe Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s most influential forward, consistently ranking among the top gain‑makers and providing an off‑load threat that kept the attacking momentum alive whenever he possessed the ball. His ability to generate forward momentum and maintain possession under pressure made him indispensable for Leigh’s campaign.
--- **Prop – Mathieu Jussaume makes history** Mathieu Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Toulouse Olympique player ever to be named in a Super League Dream Team. His contributions on the defensive line, particularly in marker tackles, and his strong ball‑carrying have helped Toulouse compete effectively against more established clubs. --- **Prop – James McDonnell’s consistency** Leeds prop James McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance (including 2025) thanks to his relentless work ethic and ability to dominate the hard yards.
When McDonnell is on the field, Leeds’ forward momentum noticeably improves, underscoring his importance to the Rhinos’ forward pack. --- **Loose forward – Ben Currie’s leadership** Ben Currie of the Warrington Wolves was selected as the loose forward after a season of high tackle counts, strong marker work, and unwavering consistency. His leadership qualities have made him a talisman for Sam Burgess’ side, and his performances were pivotal in securing Warrington’s third‑place finish.
--- **Additional mentions** Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana also delivered strong performances in their respective roles, earning commendations from commentators and fans alike. While they did not make the final eleven, their contributions were integral to their teams’ successes. --- **Play‑off schedule** The Super League playoffs commence 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 semi‑finals are slated for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a TBD opponent at 8 p.m.) and 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD opponent at 5:30 p.m.).
The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. In summary, the 2026 Dream Team showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and breakout talents, with Leeds Rhinos providing the majority of the selections. Their dominance reflects a season where the Rhinos combined explosive attacking play, disciplined defence, and a deep roster of players capable of influencing matches at the highest level.