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 accounted for 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league’s passionate fan base. When the votes were tallied, the final roster displayed six Rhinos alongside two representatives each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, with single spots going to Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers were taken aback by the relatively modest representation of the Warriors, especially considering they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they reach the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos surged to the top of the table for the bulk of the campaign, only to stumble in the crucial showdown against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the chosen players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are making their debut in this elite lineup. Below is a detailed look at each of the stand‑out performers who have been deemed the best of the best over the course of the 2026 regular season. **Full‑back – Leeds’ Rising Star** Leeds’ full‑back has been a revelation this year, hitting his peak form early and maintaining it through the first nine rounds, where he topped the Man of Steel points tally.
His dynamic link‑up play with the half‑backs has been electrifying, and his blistering speed makes him a nightmare to contain 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 the Rhinos in the postseason. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the full‑back role, the Leeds player’s consistency earned him the top nod for the position in 2026.
**Wing – Try‑Scoring Powerhouses** On the right wing, Maika Sivo continued his prolific strike rate, finishing the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20. His ability to find the try‑line at such a high frequency, even with limited appearances, underscores his status as a genuine try‑scoring phenom. Opposite him, Wigan’s wingman has also shone, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s tally.
His growth over the season has turned him into a reliable weapon for the Warriors, capable of delivering points and providing a solid defensive presence on the flank. **Centres – Dominance from Handley and Hanley** The centre partnership of Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley earned the spotlight. Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, combined raw power with impressive speed, making him a near‑unstoppable force throughout most of the campaign.
His physicality and ability to break tackles have been pivotal for Leeds’ attacking platform. Hanley, despite playing only 16 matches due to a mid‑season injury, returned in spectacular fashion.
His post‑injury form was so compelling that he secured a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, and he earned a consecutive Dream Team selection, a testament to his fierce competitiveness as praised by his coach Adrian Lam. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft’s Play‑making Brilliance** Leeds’ stand‑off, Brodie Croft, made a strong case for his inclusion by finishing second overall in the try‑scoring charts with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo.
Croft’s knack for spotting gaps and his ability to score himself have made him a dual threat, contributing both points and creative spark. His return to the Dream Team marks his first appearance in four years, highlighting a resurgence in form.
**Scrum‑half – Man of Steel Jake Connor** Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was the league’s assist leader, delivering a staggering 43 try assists over the season. To put that into perspective, the next best creator, Jackson Hastings, managed 29 – a full 14 fewer. Connor’s vision, precise passing, and reliable kicking have been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking success, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team selections reflect his consistency at the highest level. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half slot.
**Hooker – Defensive Anchor Brad O’Neill** Brad O’Neill has been the cornerstone of Wigan’s defensive structure, providing relentless tackling and measured aggression that set the tone for the team’s forward pack. His presence on the field has a measurable impact on Wigan’s performance; when he is absent, the side’s defensive solidity noticeably dips. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed at hooker, but O’Neill’s all‑round contributions earned him the Dream Team nod.
**Second‑Row – Wakefield’s Metre‑Maker Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele has been a near‑constant in Wakefield’s lineup, helping the club achieve its highest ever Super League finish. His ability to gain valuable metres and his defensive reliability earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. His work rate in both attack and defence has been a key factor in Wakefield’s successful season. Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue has similarly excelled, consistently delivering strong carries and off‑load options that keep the opposition on the back foot.
His performances have placed him among the standout forwards in the competition. **Loose Forward – Mathieu Jussaume Makes History** Mathieu Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Toulouse Olympique player to ever make the Dream Team. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball forward have been vital for the French side’s competitiveness.
James McDonnell of Leeds also secured a repeat selection, making it his second consecutive Dream Team appearance after also featuring in 2025. Known for his relentless work ethic and hard‑running style, McDonnell’s contributions are often most felt when he is on the field, providing the Rhinos with a physical edge. Additional shout‑outs go to Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana for their impressive displays in the forward pack, as well as Warrington’s Ben Currie, who earned the loose‑forward spot after a standout season that helped his side secure a third‑place finish. Currie’s tackling numbers, both in general and in marker situations, have been among the league’s best, and his leadership qualities have made him a talisman for Sam Burgess’s side.
The Dream Team announcement sets the stage for an exciting playoff series, which kicks off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports. The following day sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR. Semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors respectively, before the Grand Final culminates the season at Old Trafford on October 3. The selections not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the depth of talent across the Super League as teams vie for the ultimate prize.