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 streams: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the total weight, a curated panel of rugby league journalists accounted for 30%, and the remaining 20% came directly from the league's passionate fan base. After the votes were tallied, the final roster displayed a strong Leeds presence alongside two representatives each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, and single entries from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique.
Many observers might find the relatively modest Warrior representation surprising, especially given that Wigan have already secured a domestic double and are still chasing a historic treble should they advance to the Grand Final. In contrast, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a soaring season for most of the campaign, only to stumble in the crucial match‑up 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 newcomers to the elite list. Below is a detailed look at each of the selected athletes, their contributions over the regular season, and why they stood out among their peers.
**Full‑back – Leeds' Rising Star** Miller has been a revelation in the full‑back role throughout 2026, hitting his peak form early and maintaining it for the majority of the campaign. He topped the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds and remained a contender for the award deep into the latter half of the season.
Unfortunately, a severe hamstring injury forced him out for the remainder of the year, leaving fans to wonder how much further his impact could have been in the playoffs. Miller’s ability to link seamlessly with the half‑backs, combined with his blistering speed in broken‑play situations, made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot in the voting.
**Wing – Try‑Scoring Machine** Maika Sivo, before a forearm injury in round 20, was an absolute try‑scoring machine, finishing the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries despite missing six matches. His prolific output underscores his lethal finishing ability and his knack for finding space near the try‑line. Close on his heels, Wigan’s wing‑man Eckersley tallied 27 tries, establishing himself as a reliable source of metres and points for his side. Both players have demonstrated the capacity to change games in an instant, making the wing positions among the most exciting to watch.
**Centres – Dual Threats** In the centre slots, Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley claimed the honours. Hanley, who played only 16 games after returning from injury, displayed such form that he earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
His performances were described by Leigh coach Adrian Lam as the most "fierce" he has ever seen, a testament to Hanley’s physicality and determination. Meanwhile, Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre area with a blend of power, speed, and tactical awareness, making him a constant headache for opponents throughout the season.
**Stand‑off – Leeds’ Play‑Maker** Brodie Croft earned the stand‑off spot for Leeds, marking his return to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus. Croft finished the campaign as the second‑highest try‑scorer in the league, crossing the line 28 times—just one shy of Sivo. His knack for spotting gaps and exploiting defensive weaknesses contributed heavily to Leeds’ attacking firepower. **Scrum‑half – Man of Steel Jake Connor** Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, secured the scrum‑half berth.
His 43 assists topped the league by a wide margin, with the next best, Jackson Hastings, managing 29. Connor’s vision, decision‑making, and precise kicking were instrumental in Leeds’ ability to control games and generate scoring opportunities. He also received strong support from Harry Smith, who enjoyed a breakout year and was a notable contender for the position.
**Hooker – Defensive Anchor** Brad O’Neill of Wigan was the clear choice at hooker, providing a defensive steel that anchored his side’s backline. His aggression was well‑balanced, allowing him to dominate tackle counts and serve as the linchpin of Wigan’s defensive structure. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, but O’Neill’s influence was such that his absence noticeably weakened the team’s performance. **Second‑Row – Wakefield’s Workhorse** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, a near‑constant presence for Wakefield, helped the club achieve its highest ever Super League finish.
His relentless metre‑gaining runs and defensive reliability earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. Similarly, Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue stood out as a dynamic ball‑carrier, consistently gaining valuable ground and offering an off‑load threat that kept the attacking flow alive. **Prop – Toulouse’s Trailblazer** Mathieu Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team. His defensive contributions, especially in marker tackles, were complemented by his strong ball‑carrying ability, which helped open up attacking avenues for the French side.
**Prop – Consistent Force** James McDonnell, another repeat selection alongside Connor, Croft, and Hanley, represented Leeds in the prop role. His work ethic and ability to win the hard yards made him indispensable; the Rhinos often looked stronger when he was on the field, driving the team forward with relentless effort. **Loose Forward – Warrington’s Leader** Ben Currie secured the loose‑forward spot for Warrington Wolves after a standout season that helped the club finish third. Currie’s tackle numbers, including a high count of marker tackles, highlighted his consistency and leadership on the field.
His presence provided a steadying influence, earning him the reputation of a true talisman for the Wolves. **Additional Honours** The announcement also recognised the impressive contributions of Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who excelled in their respective roles, as well as the strong performances of Oli Partington, who was a close contender in the voting. The Dream Team selections set the stage for an exciting playoff series, beginning on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports.
The following weekend sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR. Semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, with Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors each awaiting their opponents. The culmination of the season will be the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the best of the best will compete for the ultimate prize.