The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The squad was assembled 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. When the votes were tallied, the final lineup comprised six Rhinos, two Wigan Warriors, two Leigh Leopards, and one representative each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique.
Wigan's relatively modest presence on the list may surprise some observers, especially given that the Warriors have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they reach the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, on the other hand, enjoyed a soaring season for the bulk 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 honors, while the other nine are newcomers to this elite roll of honour.
Below is an in‑depth look at each nominee and why they have been judged the best performers over the course of the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, establishing himself as one of the most electrifying full‑backs in the competition. He led the Man of Steel voting after the first nine rounds and remained in contention throughout the middle third of the season.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to speculate on the impact his presence might have had in the decisive matches. Miller’s combination of blistering speed, incisive running lines, and seamless link‑up play with his halves made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the same role, Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot for the year. **Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Sivo’s 2026 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20 curtailed his season, he amassed an astonishing 29 tries, finishing as the league’s leading try‑scorer despite missing six games.
His ability to finish from almost any position, combined with his power and acceleration, turned him into a nightmare for opposition defences. Sivo’s try‑scoring exploits underscore his status as a true try‑scoring phenom. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)** Eckersley has been Wigan’s most reliable finisher this year, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s tally. He has grown into a complete winger, contributing not only in attack but also with solid defensive work and consistent meter‑gaining runs.
His reliability on the flank has made him a cornerstone of Wigan’s offensive structure. **Centres – Ash Handley (Leeds) & Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, has dominated the centre positions for most of the season.
His blend of raw power, speed, and ball‑handling ability has made him extremely difficult to stop. Hanley, despite playing only 16 games after returning from injury, impressed with such form that he earned an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. Both players have been pivotal in Leeds’ attacking platform and earned repeat Dream Team selections. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft’s playmaking prowess has been on full display, as he finished the season second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo.
His knack for spotting gaps, delivering precise passes, and taking advantage of scoring opportunities has seen him return to the Dream Team for the first time in four years. **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, topped the assist chart with a staggering 43 assists, far ahead of the next best, Jackson Hastings, who recorded 29. His vision, kicking accuracy, and ability to orchestrate Leeds’ attacking moves have been instrumental in the Rhinos’ success. Connor’s consistency earned him a second consecutive Dream Team nod.
**Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** O'Neill has been the defensive lynchpin for a Wigan side that appears primed for a title run. His tackling technique, measured aggression, and leadership around the ruck have set him apart as the standout hooker of the season. When O'Neill is off the field, Wigan’s defensive cohesion noticeably suffers.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing heavily to their historic best‑ever league finish. His relentless meter‑gaining runs and solid defensive presence earned him an England squad call‑up ahead of the World Cup.
He consistently provided the forward momentum that Wakefield needed in tight contests. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s most influential player this season. His powerful carries rank among the highest in the league, and his ability to offload in contact keeps the attack fluid and unpredictable.
His contributions have been vital to Leigh’s strong performances. **Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Super League Dream Team. His defensive work, especially in marker tackles, has been exemplary, while his ball‑carrying ability opens up attacking opportunities for his side.
**Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honorees. His relentless work rate, hard‑running style, and consistency have made him a key figure in Leeds’ forward pack.
The team’s performance noticeably dips when he is not on the field. **Loose forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season has been defined by his tackling volume and leadership. As a constant presence in Sam Burgess’ side, he has been instrumental in Warrington’s third‑place finish.
His work ethic and ability to inspire teammates have cemented his status as a talismanic figure. Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in the second‑row, and Harry Smith, who had a strong year at scrum‑half and was a serious contender for a Dream Team spot. The Dream Team selections set the stage for an exciting playoff series, beginning on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports. The subsequent fixtures feature Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on 19 September, followed by the semi‑finals on 25 and 26 September, culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
The 2026 Super League playoffs promise high‑stakes drama as the season’s best players vie for the ultimate prize.