The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and the Leeds Rhinos have secured a commanding presence, with six of their players earning spots among the elite eleven. The Dream Team was compiled using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30 percent was contributed by a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent reflected the preferences of Super League supporters. When the votes were tallied, the final lineup featured 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 considering they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a possible treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a soaring campaign for most of the season, only to stumble in the decisive clash against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously appeared in a Dream Team, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this prestigious honour.
Below is a comprehensive look at the individuals who have been recognised as the finest performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Liam Miller (Leeds Rhinos)** Miller has been a revelation at full‑back in 2026, finding his best form and becoming a constant threat in attack. He led the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the campaign. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has ruled him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to wonder how much further his influence could have propelled Leeds.
His synergy with the half‑backs has produced electrifying combinations, and his blistering speed makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. While Wigan’s Jai Field has also excelled at full‑back, Miller’s consistency throughout the year earned him the top spot in the voting.
**Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos)** Sivo’s 2026 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20, he was crossing the try‑line at an astonishing rate, finishing as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries despite missing six games.
His ability to finish from almost any position, coupled with his power and footwork, has made him a true try‑scoring phenomenon. The fact that he still topped the charts after a substantial lay‑off underscores his elite calibre. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)** Eckersley has been a reliable workhorse on the wing for Wigan, amassing 27 tries – just two shy of Sivo’s tally. Over the course of the season he has become a player the Warriors can depend on in every facet of the game, delivering both defensive solidity and attacking firepower.
**Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos)** The Rhinos’ captain has been the dominant force in the centre positions for the majority of the campaign. Handley’s combination of size, speed and raw power has made him extremely difficult to stop, and his leadership on the field has been a key factor in Leeds’ strong performances.
His ability to break tackles and create line‑breaks has consistently put the opposition on the back foot. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leeds Rhinos)** Hanley’s season was brief but brilliant; after returning from injury he featured in just 16 matches yet displayed a level of form that earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. His impact was so profound that he secured back‑to‑back Dream Team selections, with head coach Adrian Lam hailing him as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced.
**Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos)** Croft’s playmaking abilities have been instrumental to Leeds’ attacking structure. Remarkably, he finished the season second overall in the try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one behind his own winger Sivo. His knack for finding gaps and his timing in support runs have seen him return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, topped the assist tally with an impressive 43 assists, a full 14 more than the next best player, Jackson Hastings.
His precise kicking game and vision have been pivotal for Leeds throughout the year, and his consistency will be vital as the Rhinos look to convert regular‑season success into playoff glory. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half spot.
**Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors)** O'Neill has been a near‑constant presence in Wigan’s pack, anchoring the defensive steel of a side that appears ready to claim the championship. His tackling numbers are exceptional, and his aggression has become more measured, allowing him to dominate the hooker role.
While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy performed admirably, O'Neill’s influence on team performance is evident whenever he is off the field. **Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a stalwart for Wakefield, contributing both massive defensive work and valuable metres in attack. His performances earned him an England squad call‑up ahead of the World Cup, and his ability to drive the ball forward has been a highlight of Wakefield’s historic best‑ever league finish. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player of the season.
His powerful carries consistently rank among the top in the league, and his off‑load threat ensures that the Leopards’ attack never stalls when he is in possession. **Second‑Row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume’s selection marks a historic first: the inaugural Toulouse Olympique player to make the Dream Team. He has been a rock in the defensive line, excelling in marker tackles, while also providing strong carries that open attacking opportunities for his side.
**Second‑Row – James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos)** McDonnell earns his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honourees. His relentless work rate and hard‑running style have made him indispensable for the Rhinos; the team noticeably loses momentum when he is not on the field.
**Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season has been exemplary, placing him among the league’s leaders in total tackles and marker tackles. As a constant figure in Sam Burgess’ side, he embodies leadership and consistency, making him a deserving inclusion in the Dream Team. Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who have impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who likely received strong support in the voting after a sensational year for Wigan. The playoffs commence on Friday, 18 September, with live coverage on Sky Sports, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.