The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The squad was chosen through 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 result was six Rhinos alongside two representatives each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, plus single selections from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique.
The relatively modest presence of the Warriors on the Dream Team may raise eyebrows, especially considering they 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 campaign for most of the season before stumbling against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite list. Below is a detailed look at each of the individuals who have been deemed the finest performers over the regular 2026 Super League season.
**Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, flourishing in the full‑back role. He topped the Man of Steel points tally for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the campaign.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear forced him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to wonder how much further his impact could have been. His partnership with the Rhinos’ halves has been electric, and his blistering pace makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot in the selection. **Wing – Leeds’ Maika Sivo** Sivo’s year has been nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20, he was scoring at an astonishing rate, finishing the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries.
Remarkably, he achieved this tally despite missing six games, underscoring his lethal finishing ability. His combination of power and speed has made him a constant threat on the edge of the field.
**Wing – Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scoring outlet for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total. Throughout the season he has proven himself a dependable winger, contributing both in attack and defence, and becoming a player Wigan can count on in any situation. **Centre – Leeds’ Ash Handley** The Rhinos’ captain has been the dominant force in the centre positions for most of the campaign. Handley’s blend of physicality, speed and leadership has made him extremely difficult to stop.
His performances have anchored Leeds’ spine and provided a platform for the team’s attacking structures. **Centre – Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Hanley featured in just 16 matches due to a mid‑season injury, yet his impact was profound. Upon returning, he displayed a level of form that earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam praised him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced, a sentiment reflected in Hanley’s back‑to‑back Dream Team selections.
**Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking abilities have been on full display, and he finished the season second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries, only one behind Sivo. His knack for finding space and creating opportunities earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. **Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor secured the prestigious Man of Steel award and led the league with 43 assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His tactical kicking and vision have been pivotal for Leeds, and his consistency will be vital as the Rhinos aim for success in the playoffs.
Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half slot. **Hooker – Wigan’s Brad O'Neill** O'Neill has been the defensive cornerstone for a Warriors side that appears ready to claim the title. His tackling numbers are among the highest in the competition, and his disciplined aggression has cemented his reputation as the standout hooker of the year. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy performed admirably, but O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s overall performance is unmistakable.
**Prop – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for a Trinity side that achieved its highest ever Super League finish. His meter‑gaining runs and defensive solidity earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup, highlighting his importance on both sides of the ball. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player, consistently delivering strong carries and providing a dangerous off‑load threat that keeps the attacking momentum alive.
**Second‑row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume makes history as the first Toulouse player to be named in a Dream Team. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, and his ability to carry the ball effectively have been crucial for the French side’s attacking platform. **Second‑row – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell joins the repeat‑selection club alongside Connor, Croft and Hanley.
His relentless work ethic and hard‑running style have made him a key contributor for Leeds, and his absence is always felt on the field. **Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie earned his place after a standout season for a Wolves side that finished third. He ranks near the top of the league in total tackles and marker tackles, embodying the leadership and consistency that have become his trademark.
Additional notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective roles, and Oli Partington, who likely received a strong vote count after an exceptional year with Wigan. The playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity traveling to Leigh Leopards, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19.
Semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, with the Grand Final set for October 3 at Old Trafford. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, promising an exciting climax to a memorable 2026 Super League season.