The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features an impressive six representatives from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process combined three distinct voting blocks: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the overall weight, a curated group of rugby league journalists supplied 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league's passionate fan base.
When the votes were tallied, the final lineup comprised 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 might find the relatively modest presence of the Warriors surprising, especially considering they have already secured a domestic double and are still chasing a treble should they reach the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, on the other hand, enjoyed a season of soaring form for most of the campaign before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side and ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have earned Dream Team honours in previous years, while the remaining nine are newcomers to the elite list.
Below is a detailed look at each of the individuals who have been recognised as the finest 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 early and maintaining a high level of performance throughout the first nine rounds, where he led the Man of Steel points tally. He continued to be a major contender for the award during the middle portion of the season. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring injury forced him out for the remainder of the campaign, leaving fans to speculate on how much further he could have propelled Leeds in the playoffs.
His partnership with the half‑backs was electrifying, and his blistering speed made him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. While Wigan’s Jai Field also excelled at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot in the 2026 rankings. **Wingers – Maika Sivo (Leeds) and Sam Eckersley (Wigan)** On the wing, Leeds’ Maika Sivo produced a try‑scoring spectacle, racking up an astonishing 29 tries to finish as the league’s leading scorer, despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20.
His ability to find the try line at such a rate underscores his elite finishing talent. Opposite him, Wigan’s Sam Eckersley proved to be a reliable workhorse, crossing the line 27 times and establishing himself as a winger who can be counted on in every phase of play, from attack to defense. **Centres – Ash Handley (Leeds) and Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** In the centre positions, Leeds’ captain Ash Handley dominated the middle of the field with his blend of power, speed and tactical awareness.
His physical presence made him one of the hardest players to stop all season. Young centre Umyla Hanley, despite playing only 16 matches after returning from injury, displayed such form that he earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. Both Handley and Hanley have now been selected for the Dream Team in consecutive years, highlighting their sustained excellence.
**Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Leeds’ stand‑off Brodie Croft earned his spot thanks to his knack for finding the try‑line, finishing the season with 28 tries – just one shy of Sivo’s total. Croft’s ability to exploit gaps and create scoring opportunities made him a constant threat, and his inclusion marks his first Dream Team appearance in four years.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, secured the scrum‑half position by delivering a league‑leading 43 try assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best player, Jackson Hastings. Connor’s vision and precision kicking were pivotal for Leeds throughout the year, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team selections reflect his impact on the game. Fellow scrum‑half Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was mentioned as a notable contender. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** Brad O'Neill was a near‑constant presence in Wigan’s lineup, anchoring the defensive structure with aggressive yet measured tackling.
His performances placed him at the top of the hooker rankings for 2026, and his absence was felt whenever he was off the field, underscoring his importance to the Warriors’ ambitions. **Prop – Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield) and Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)** Wakefield’s front‑row duo combined to deliver a historic season for the club, achieving their highest ever Super League finish. Smoothy impressed with his work rate and defensive reliability, while Hamlin‑Uele, a recent England call‑up, contributed crucial metres and defensive solidity, becoming a key figure in both attack and defence. **Second‑Row – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh) and Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue emerged as arguably the club’s standout player, consistently generating strong carries and offering an off‑load threat that kept the opposition guessing.
His performances placed him among the league’s elite second‑rowers. Meanwhile, Mathieu Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team, earning recognition for his defensive work, especially in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball effectively to launch attacks. **Loose Forward – James McDonnell (Leeds) and Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Leeds’ James McDonnell secured his third Dream Team honour, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections.
Known for his relentless work ethic, McDonnell’s hard‑running style often tipped the balance in tight matches. Warrington’s Ben Currie, representing the loose forward role, finished the season among the top tacklers and marker tacklers, providing leadership and consistency for a side that finished third overall. Additional notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who both impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who likely received a strong vote count after a sensational season with Wigan.
The playoffs commence on Friday, 18 September, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Key fixtures include Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards (18 September, 8 pm), Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR (19 September, 5:30 pm), and the semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors later in the month. The Dream Team selections not only celebrate individual brilliance but also highlight the depth of talent across the Super League as clubs vie for the ultimate prize.