The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and the Leeds Rhinos have secured a commanding presence with six of their players earning a spot among the season's elite. The Dream Team roster was compiled using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight (50%) 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. This blended approach ensured a balanced view that combined expert analysis with fan sentiment.
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 for the Wigan Warriors may surprise some observers, especially considering that the club has already secured a domestic double and is still in contention for a treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a soaring campaign for the bulk 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 been honored in a Dream Team, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this prestigious list. Below is an in‑depth look at each of the individuals who have been deemed the best performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Jack Miller (Leeds Rhinos)** Miller has been a revelation this year, cementing his reputation as one of the most electrifying full‑backs in the competition. He led the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the second third of the campaign.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to speculate on the impact his continued presence might have had on Leeds’ postseason run. His synergy with the half‑backs and blistering pace in broken‑play situations have made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. While Wigan’s Jai Field has also performed admirably in the same position, Miller’s consistency and game‑changing moments earned him the top honour among full‑backs.
**Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos)** Sivo’s year can be described as nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer, crossing the line 29 times.
His ability to score at such a prolific rate, even with the interruption, underscores his lethal finishing skill and instinctive positioning. Sivo’s blend of power and speed makes him a constant threat on the edge, and his try‑scoring exploits have been a key factor in Leeds’ offensive firepower. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)** Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scorer for the Warriors, tallying 27 tries—just two shy of Sivo’s total.
Over the season he has shown remarkable consistency, providing Wigan with a dependable outlet on the flanks. His work rate, defensive commitment, and ability to finish scoring opportunities have cemented his status as a winger the team can count on in any situation. **Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos)** Handley has been the cornerstone of the Rhinos’ midfield throughout 2026. As captain, his combination of physical dominance, speed, and defensive solidity has made him exceedingly difficult to contain.
Handley’s leadership on the field has been evident in both his attacking bursts and his ability to organise the defensive line, contributing significantly to Leeds’ strong league finish. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards)** Although Hanley featured in just 16 games due to a mid‑season injury, his performances on return were nothing short of outstanding. His form earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, and his aggressive, hard‑running style impressed Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam, who described him as the fiercest competitor he has ever encountered. Hanley’s impact was immediate, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team selections reflect his high‑level contributions.
**Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos)** Croft has been a pivotal play‑maker for Leeds, finishing the season as the second‑highest try‑scorer with 28 tries, just one behind his own winger, Sivo. His knack for finding space and creating scoring opportunities has been vital to the Rhinos’ attacking structure. Croft’s return to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus highlights his resurgence and the central role he plays in Leeds’ spine.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, led the league in assists with a remarkable 43, dwarfing the second‑placed Jackson Hastings, who recorded 29. His vision, passing accuracy, and tactical kicking have been instrumental in Leeds’ offensive orchestration.
Connor’s consistency throughout the season positions him as a key figure in the Rhinos’ push for playoff success. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half spot. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors)** O'Neill has been a stalwart in Wigan’s defensive engine, delivering relentless tackling and measured aggression.
His presence has often been the difference between a solid defensive set and a vulnerable one, and his performances have earned him recognition as the standout hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, O'Neill’s influence on the Warriors’ overall cohesion is unmistakable.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing both strong defensive efforts and significant metre‑gaining runs. His inclusion in the England squad ahead of the World Cup reflects his high‑level play. He helped Wakefield achieve their best ever Super League finish, showcasing a blend of power and endurance that has made him a fan favourite.
**Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout performer this season. His ability to break tackles and generate forward momentum, coupled with an off‑load threat that keeps the attacking line fluid, has placed him among the league’s top forwards. His contributions have been vital in Leigh’s competitive showing throughout the campaign.
**Second‑Row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume’s selection marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Toulouse Olympique player to make the Dream Team. His defensive reliability, especially in marker tackles, and his effective ball‑carrying have provided Toulouse with a solid platform on both ends of the park. **Second‑Row – James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos)** McDonnell earns his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft, and Hanley as repeat honourees.
His relentless work ethic and ability to consistently win the hard yards have made him an indispensable component of Leeds’ forward pack. The team’s performance noticeably dips when he is absent, underscoring his value. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season has been defined by his tackling volume and leadership qualities. As a key figure in Warrington’s third‑place finish, his consistency in both standard and marker tackles has made him a talismanic presence for the Wolves.
His influence on and off the field justifies his inclusion among the league’s elite. The Dream Team also acknowledges other notable performers such as Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who have made strong impressions in their respective positions. While Oli Partington narrowly missed out on a spot, his sensational year for Wigan was certainly in the conversation. The Super League playoffs commence on Friday, September 18, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
Key upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards (September 18), Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR (September 19), and the semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors later in the month. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to a season that has already delivered remarkable individual performances and team achievements.