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 came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30 percent was contributed by a curated panel of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20 percent reflected the preferences of Super League supporters. This blended approach ensured a balanced perspective that combined expert analysis with fan sentiment.
When the votes were tallied, the final lineup featured six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and single representatives from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation of the Warriors may raise eyebrows, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are poised to chase a treble should they advance to the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a strong campaign for the bulk of the season, only to stumble against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously been honoured in Dream Teams, while the other nine are first‑time recipients.
Below is a comprehensive look at the individuals who have been recognised as the best performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back** Leeds’ full‑back, who has been a revelation this year, finally found his stride in the position. He led the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds and remained a serious contender throughout the second third of the campaign. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring injury now casts doubt on how much further impact he could have had during the playoffs.
His partnership with the half‑backs has been electrifying, and his blistering speed makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, the Leeds player’s consistency earned him the top honour in this role.
**Wing** The wing positions featured a try‑scoring juggernaut and a rising star whose year will be remembered as a breakthrough. Before a forearm injury sidelined him in round 20, the winger amassed an astonishing 29 tries, finishing as the league’s top try‑scorer despite missing six games. His prolific output underscores his lethal finishing ability. Across the line, Wigan’s winger posted 27 tries, just two shy of the leader, and has become a reliable attacking weapon for his side, contributing both meters and points.
**Centres** In the centre channel, Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley claimed the honours. Hanley, who featured in only 16 matches due to an earlier injury, returned in spectacular form, earning a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. Adam Keighran of the Warriors also impressed in the centre, but it was the Leigh player who shone brightest, securing back‑to‑back Dream Team selections. His coach, Adrian Lam, praised him as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced.
Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre position for most of the season with a blend of power, speed, and relentless defence that made him extremely difficult to stop. **Stand‑off** Leeds’ stand‑off, Brodie Croft, made a strong case for his inclusion, finishing second overall in the try‑scoring charts with 28 strikes—just one behind his own winger.
His knack for finding gaps and converting opportunities earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. **Scrum‑half** The reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, secured the scrum‑half slot, delivering a league‑leading 43 try assists—a staggering 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings.
Connor’s vision and precision kicking have been pivotal for Leeds, and his consistency will be vital as the Rhinos aim to translate regular‑season success into playoff victories. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the role.
**Hooker** Brad O’Neill of Wigan was a near‑constant presence in the middle of the field, acting as the primary defensive lynchpin for a side that appears ready to claim the championship. His aggressive yet measured tackling set a benchmark, and his influence was evident whenever he was off the pitch. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also performed admirably, but O’Neill’s leadership and defensive reliability made him the standout hooker of the year.
**Prop** Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele featured prominently in a side that achieved its highest ever Super League finish. His relentless metre‑gaining runs and defensive solidity earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup.
Similarly, Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue proved to be perhaps the club’s most impactful player, consistently delivering high‑impact carries and offering a potent off‑load threat that kept the opposition’s defence on its heels. **Second‑row** Mathieu Jussaume’s selection marked a historic moment as he became the first Toulouse Olympique player to ever make the Dream Team. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, combined with his ability to carry the ball effectively, helped open up attacking opportunities for his side. James McDonnell of Leeds secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft, and Hanley as repeat honourees.
McDonnell’s tireless work rate and hard‑running style have been a hallmark of Leeds’ forward dominance, and his absence is always felt on the field. **Loose forward** Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie earned the loose‑forward spot after a standout season that helped his team secure a third‑place finish. Currie’s high tackle count, including numerous marker tackles, and his consistent presence in Sam Burgess’ side have cemented his reputation as a leader on the field. His contributions epitomise the qualities of a talismanic player.
Additional noteworthy mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in the forward pack, and Oli Partington, who likely received significant votes after a sensational year for Wigan. The playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR the next day. The semi‑finals are slated for September 25 and 26, with Leeds Rhinos set to face an as‑yet‑undetermined opponent, and Wigan Warriors meeting another unknown challenger. The Grand Final will culminate the season at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports.