The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features an impressive six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The squad was chosen using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30% from a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20% reflected the preferences of Super League supporters.
When the votes were tallied, the lineup comprised six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and single representatives from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers might find the relatively modest Warrior presence surprising, especially given that Wigan have already secured a domestic double and are chasing a treble if they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, on the other hand, enjoyed a soaring season for most of the campaign before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side and ultimately finishing as runners‑up.
Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honors, while the other nine are first‑time recipients. Below is a detailed look at each nominee and the reasons they stood out during the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation at full‑back this year, hitting a rich vein of form early on and topping the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds.
His combination of blistering pace, safe hands and incisive link‑up play with the half‑backs made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear curtailed his campaign just as the playoffs approached, leaving fans to wonder how much further his influence could have taken Leeds. In the voting, Miller edged out Wigan’s Jai Field, who also performed admirably, but Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot.
**Wingers – Maika Sivo (Leeds) and Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)** Sivo’s year was nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His power, footwork and uncanny sense of positioning made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Eckersley, meanwhile, proved himself a reliable try‑machine for Wigan, crossing the line 27 times.
His work rate on the outside, defensive commitment and growing confidence have turned him into a player the Warriors can count on in every facet of the game. **Centres – Ash Handley (Leeds) and Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Hanley’s season was brief – only 16 appearances – but his impact was immediate.
After returning from injury, he displayed a level of form that earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup, and his aggressive running style impressed coach Adrian Lam, who described him as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced. Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, has been the dominant centre throughout the campaign. His blend of size, speed and ball‑carrying power has repeatedly broken defensive lines, making him a cornerstone of Leeds’ attack. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft returned to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus, finishing second overall in the try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one shy of Sivo.
His ability to spot gaps, create opportunities for teammates and finish his own moves has been a vital component of Leeds’ offensive engine. Croft’s knack for popping up at the right moment and converting chances into points underscores his value to the side.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was the league’s leading assist‑maker with 43 entries, a full 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His vision, quick distribution and accurate kicking have been instrumental in shaping Leeds’ attacking patterns. Connor’s consistency and leadership at the pivot have helped the Rhinos maintain a high‑tempo, fluid style of play throughout the season. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** O'Neill has been a near‑constant presence for the Warriors, anchoring their defensive structure with relentless tackling and disciplined aggression.
His ability to read the game, make swift service from dummy‑half and contribute heavily in the tackle count has earned him recognition as the standout hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s overall performance has been unmistakable.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)** Hamlin‑Uele was a driving force for Wakefield, helping the club achieve its highest ever Super League finish. His powerful carries, solid defensive work and selection for the England squad ahead of the World Cup highlight his dual impact on both sides of the ball. He consistently gained valuable metres and set a physical tone for his teammates. **Second‑Row – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh) and Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s most influential player this season, regularly topping the metres‑gained charts and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept the opposition on the back foot.
Jussaume made history by becoming the first Toulouse Olympique player to earn a Dream Team spot. His defensive reliability, especially in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball strongly into contact have been crucial for the French side’s progress. **Back‑Row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team nod, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections. His relentless work ethic, hard‑running style and consistency have made him a key figure in Leeds’ forward pack.
When he is off the field, the Rhinos noticeably lose some of their momentum, underscoring his importance. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season with the Wolves has been exemplary. Ranking among the league’s leaders in total tackles and marker tackles, his reliability and leadership have been vital for a side that finished third overall. His presence on the field provides a steadying influence, and his performances have rightfully earned him a place in the Dream Team.
Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who both impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who likely garnered significant votes after an outstanding year with Wigan. The playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity traveling to Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports at 8 p.m., followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are slated for 25 and 26 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors against yet‑to‑be‑determined opponents.
The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the champions will be crowned.