The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features an impressive six representatives from the Leeds Rhinos. The squad was compiled using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30 percent from a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent from the league's fans.
When the votes were tallied, the final lineup included six Leeds players, two from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers were taken aback by the relatively modest presence of the Warriors, especially considering they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a possible treble if they reach the Grand Final.
Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, on the other hand, enjoyed a strong season, soaring high 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 honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite list.
Below is a detailed look at each of the individuals who have been judged the best performers over the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in the full‑back role this year, hitting his peak form early and maintaining it throughout the first nine rounds, where he topped the Man of Steel leaderboard. He continued to feature prominently in the second half of the season as well. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear forced him out for the remainder of the campaign, leaving fans to wonder how much further he could have propelled Leeds in the playoffs.
His chemistry with the half‑backs was electric, and his blistering speed made him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the nod as the competition’s most reliable option.
**Wing – Leeds' Maika Sivo** Sivo’s season was nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20 curtailed his involvement, he amassed an astonishing 29 tries, making him the league’s top try‑scorer despite missing six matches.
His ability to finish from almost any position on the field has become a hallmark of his game, and his scoring rate remained unrivaled even after his injury layoff. **Wing – Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley has emerged as a key weapon on the wing for the Warriors, crossing the try‑line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total.
Over the season he has developed into a reliable finisher who contributes across the board, offering both defensive solidity and attacking firepower for a Wigan side that is eager to claim the title. **Centres – Leeds’ Ash Handley and Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, has been a dominant force in the centre position for the bulk of the year.
His blend of raw power, speed and relentless ball‑carrying made him extremely difficult to stop. Hanley, despite featuring in only 16 games due to a mid‑season injury, returned in spectacular fashion and earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His performances were so compelling that Leigh coach Adrian Lam described him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced, a sentiment reflected in his back‑to‑back Dream Team selections. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking prowess earned him a spot at stand‑off.
Remarkably, he finished the season second on the try‑scoring list with 28 tries, just one behind his own winger Sivo. His knack for finding gaps and creating scoring opportunities has seen him return to the Dream Team for the first time in four years. **Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was the league’s leading assist‑maker, delivering 43 assists throughout the campaign – a margin of 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings.
His precise kicking game and vision have been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking structure, and he now aims to translate that consistency into decisive performances in the postseason. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was a noteworthy contender for the scrum‑half slot. **Hooker – Wigan’s Brad O'Neill** O'Neill has been a near‑constant presence for the Warriors, anchoring their defensive unit with aggression that has become increasingly measured and effective. His contributions have been so vital that the team’s performance noticeably dips when he is off the field.
Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy offered a solid alternative, but O'Neill’s leadership in the middle has cemented his reputation as the standout hooker of the season. **Prop – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele played a pivotal role in Wakefield’s historic best‑ever league finish.
His relentless meter‑gaining runs and defensive reliability earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. He consistently provided the forward momentum his side needed in crucial moments. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s most impactful player this year. His powerful carries rank among the highest in the league, and his ability to offload in contact keeps the attacking line fluid and threatening.
His contributions have been central to Leigh’s competitive edge throughout the season. **Second‑Row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history by becoming the first Toulouse Olympique player to earn a Dream Team spot. He has been a rock in the defensive line, excelling in marker tackles, while also providing strong ball‑carrying that helps open attacking opportunities for his side.
**Second‑Row – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections. His work rate and consistency have made him a cornerstone of the Rhinos’ forward pack.
When he is absent, Leeds visibly lose some of their hard‑running edge. **Second‑Row – Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana** Both Nsemba and Vagana delivered impressive performances in the second‑row, earning recognition for their contributions throughout the season.
**Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie capped off a standout year for the Wolves, who finished third in the league. He ranked among the leaders in total tackles and marker tackles, embodying the role of a reliable workhorse and a true leader on the field.
His presence has been a stabilising factor for Sam Burgess’ side and justified his inclusion in the Dream Team. The announcement also hinted at other strong contenders, such as Oli Partington, whose spectacular season for Wigan likely placed him high in the voting tallies.
**Upcoming Play‑off Fixtures** - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards (Kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports) - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR (Kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBC (Kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBC (Kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports) The Super League playoffs commence on 18 September, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. The Dream Team selections highlight the individual brilliance that has defined the 2026 season and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the campaign.