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 blocks: half of the weight came from the 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.
When the votes were tallied, the final eleven comprised six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation of the Wigan Warriors may raise eyebrows, especially since they have already secured a domestic double and are still chasing a treble should they reach the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, meanwhile, enjoyed a soaring campaign for most of the season before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side and ultimately slipping to second place on the ladder.
Four of the selected players have earned Dream Team honours before, while the other nine are first‑time recipients. Below is a detailed look at each nominee, why they stood out during the regular season, and what their inclusion says about the balance of power in the league this year.
**Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation at full‑back in 2026, combining blistering speed with an instinctive feel for the game. He led the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender through the middle portion of the campaign. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear ended his season prematurely, leaving fans to speculate on how far his influence could have taken Leeds in the playoffs. His partnership with the half‑backs produced some of the most electrifying attacking sequences of the year, and his ability to exploit broken‑play situations made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
**Full‑back – Wigan’s Jai Field** Field also performed admirably in the full‑back role, but Miller’s consistency and impact earned him the top spot in the voting. Field’s contributions, however, were still vital to Wigan’s overall success. **Wing – Leeds’ Maika Sivo** Sivo’s season was a goal‑scoring masterclass.
Despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still topped the try‑scoring chart with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His rate of scoring remained extraordinary even when he was sidelined, underscoring his importance to Leeds’ attacking engine.
**Wing – Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley proved to be a reliable try‑scorer for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times. While just shy of Sivo’s total, his consistency and defensive work rate made him a cornerstone on the wing, offering Wigan a dependable option in both attack and defense. **Centres – Leeds’ Ash Handley and Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre positions for the bulk of the campaign.
His blend of power, speed, and tactical awareness made him extremely difficult to contain. Hanley, after returning from injury, played only 16 matches but impressed enough to earn an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. His ferocious competitiveness, praised by Leigh coach Adrian Lam, secured him a repeat Dream Team slot.
**Centre – Leigh’s Adam Keighran** Keighran also featured prominently in the centre, delivering strong performances that complemented Hanley’s flair. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking was instrumental in Leeds’ attacking structure. He finished the season second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo, highlighting his knack for finding the try line as well as creating opportunities for teammates. His return to the Dream Team marks his first appearance in four years.
**Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor earned the Man of Steel award and a second consecutive Dream Team nod thanks to his record‑breaking 43 assists, a figure 14 more than the next best creator, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking and vision were pivotal in converting Leeds’ possession into points, and his consistency will be crucial when the playoffs begin.
**Hooker – Wigan’s Brad O’Neill** O’Neill was the defensive lynchpin for the Warriors, delivering relentless tackling and disciplined aggression. His presence elevated Wigan’s overall performance, and the team’s defensive solidity noticeably dipped when he was off the field.
Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed at hooker, but O’Neill’s influence was deemed superior. **Prop – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele helped Wakefield achieve their highest ever Super League finish. His meter‑gaining runs and solid defensive work earned him an England squad call‑up.
He consistently provided forward momentum at crucial moments. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue was arguably Leigh’s standout player, leading the team in hard‑running metres and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept the attack alive whenever he possessed the ball.
**Second‑row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse player to be named in a Dream Team. His defensive contributions, especially in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball effectively opened up attacking avenues for the French side.
**Second‑row – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance (including 2025) by exemplifying consistency and work rate. His relentless effort in the middle of the park was evident whenever he was on the field, and Leeds appeared noticeably stronger when he was carrying the ball.
**Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie’s season was highlighted by his high tackle counts, both in general play and as a marker. As a leader on Sam Burgess’s side, he provided stability and experience, earning him a well‑deserved spot in the eleven. Additional notable performers who received strong vote totals include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, both of whom impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, whose sensational year for Wigan likely placed him near the top of the voting list. The Dream Team announcement sets the stage for an exciting playoff run.
The schedule is as follows: Wakefield Trinity host Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports; Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 p.m.; Semi‑Final 1 sees Leeds Rhinos face a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on Friday, 25 September at 8 p.m.; Semi‑Final 2 pits Wigan Warriors against another TBD side on Saturday, 26 September at 5:30 p.m.; and the Grand Final will be contested at Old Trafford on Monday, 3 October. The playoffs commence on 18 September, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the championship showdown in early October.