The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a striking six‑player contingent 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 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 eleven comprised six representatives from Leeds, two from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of the Warriors on the list may raise eyebrows, especially considering they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they advance to the Grand Final.
Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, on the other hand, enjoyed a season of soaring form for the bulk of the campaign before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side and ultimately slipping to a second‑place finish. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite roll call. Below is a detailed look at each of the athletes who have been judged the very best over the course of the 2026 regular season. **Full‑back – Leeds’ Rising Star** Miller has been a revelation at full‑back this year, hitting his stride with a blend of speed, vision and attacking flair.
He led the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the season. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to wonder how much further his influence could have taken Leeds. His partnership with the half‑backs has produced some of the most electrifying moments of the campaign, and his ability to exploit broken‑play situations makes him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the same position, Miller’s consistency earned him the nod as the premier full‑back of 2026. **Wingers – Try‑Scoring Powerhouses** On the right wing, Maika Sivo continued his prolific form until a forearm injury in round 20 curtailed his season. Despite missing six matches, he still finished as the league’s top try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His rate of scoring was so extraordinary that even the missed games could not dislodge him from the summit.
Opposite him, Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scorer in his own right, crossing the line 27 times. Eckersley’s development this year has seen him become a dependable option for the Warriors in both attack and defense, cementing his status as a true dual‑wing threat. **Centres – Leeds’ Dynamic Duo** The centre positions are occupied by Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley.
Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, has been a dominant force throughout the season, combining raw power with impressive speed to break tackles and create opportunities. His leadership on the field has been instrumental in Leeds’ strong performances.
Hanley, despite playing only 16 games due to an earlier injury, returned in spectacular fashion and earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His resurgence impressed Leigh coach Adrian Lam, who described Hanley as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced. Both players have now secured back‑to‑back Dream Team selections. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft’s Play‑making Excellence** Leeds’ stand‑off Brodie Croft earned his place thanks to an eye‑catching season of try‑scoring and creative play.
Croft finished second in the league’s try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one shy of Sivo, and demonstrated an uncanny knack for finding space and converting chances into points. His return to the Dream Team marks his first appearance in four years, highlighting a resurgence in form that has been vital to Leeds’ attacking structure. **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor’s Assist Mastery** The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, claimed the scrum‑half slot, delivering a league‑leading 43 try assists.
To put that figure in perspective, the second‑placed Jackson Hastings managed 29, a full 14 fewer. Connor’s precise kicking game and vision have been pivotal for the Rhinos, and his consistency will be crucial as Leeds aim to translate regular‑season dominance into playoff success. Fellow contender Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was mentioned as a notable alternative at scrum‑half. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill’s Defensive Dominance** Wigan’s hooker Brad O'Neill has been a near‑constant presence in the Warriors’ pack, providing a blend of aggressive tackling and disciplined aggression that has anchored the team’s defensive efforts.
His performances have been widely regarded as the best among hookers this season. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed in the role, but O'Neill’s impact is such that his absence noticeably weakens his side’s overall performance.
**Second‑Row – Wakefield’s Workhorse and Leigh’s Powerhouse** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele has been a key figure for Wakefield Trinity, contributing heavily to the club’s highest ever Super League finish. His ability to gain metres and his selection for the England squad ahead of the World Cup underline his dual threat in attack and defense.
For Leigh, Joe Ofahengaue has arguably been the standout forward, consistently delivering high‑impact runs and providing an off‑load option that keeps the attacking line fluid. **Prop – Mathieu Jussaume Makes History** Mathieu Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Toulouse Olympique player to earn a Dream Team berth. His work rate in the defensive line, particularly in marker tackles, and his ball‑carrying strength have been instrumental in Toulouse’s competitive performances this season.
**Prop – James McDonnell’s Consistency** Leeds prop James McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team appearance, having also featured in the 2025 selection. Known for his relentless work ethic, McDonnell’s hard‑running style and ability to dominate the ruck have made him a cornerstone of the Rhinos’ forward pack. When he is off the field, Leeds visibly miss his physical presence. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie’s Leadership** Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie secured the loose‑forward spot after a standout season that helped his side finish third.
Currie’s high tackle count, including numerous marker tackles, and his consistent performances have made him a talismanic figure for Sam Burgess’s side. His leadership qualities have been praised by teammates and opponents alike. The Dream Team announcement also sparked discussion about other notable performers such as Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who many believed deserved a vote after an exceptional year with Wigan. The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity travelling to Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports.
The following day sees Warrington Wolves host Hull KR. Semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors against yet‑to‑be‑determined opponents. The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the champions will be crowned.