The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The squad was compiled using a three‑part voting system: half of the weight (50%) came from the Man of Steel panel, a further 30% from a curated group of rugby league journalists, and the remaining 20% reflected the preferences of Super League supporters. When the votes were tallied, Leeds contributed six names, while Wigan Warriors supplied two, Leigh Leopards also added two, and single representatives came from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique.
Wigan's relatively modest presence on the list may seem surprising given that the club has already secured a domestic double and is eyeing a possible treble should they reach the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos, meanwhile, spent most of the campaign soaring high before a late‑season stumble against Matt Peet’s side saw them finish as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours; the other nine are newcomers to this elite roll of honour.
Below is a detailed look at each of the 13 players who have been deemed the best performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation at full‑back in 2026, hitting his peak form early and maintaining it throughout the first nine rounds, where he topped the Man of Steel leaderboard. He continued to be a strong contender for the award in the second half of the campaign.
Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has ruled him out of the playoffs, leaving fans to wonder how much further his influence could have taken Leeds. Miller’s combination of blistering speed, incisive line‑breaks and seamless link‑up play with the half‑backs made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also impressed in the role, Miller’s consistency earned him the top spot in the voting. **Wing – Leeds’ Maika Sivo** Sivo’s year has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His rate of scoring was so high that even an extended absence could not prevent him from topping the charts.
Sivo’s power, footwork and uncanny sense of positioning have made him one of the most feared finishers in the competition. **Wing – Wigan’s Elliot Eckersley** Eckersley has been a reliable try‑scoring machine on the wing for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total.
Over the season he has developed into a multi‑dimensional winger, contributing not only with his speed and finishing but also with solid defensive work and the ability to generate metres for his side. His consistency has cemented his place as a key component of Wigan’s attacking structure. **Centre – Leeds’ Ash Handley (Captain)** Handley has dominated the centre positions for most of the campaign.
As captain, his blend of physicality, speed and ball‑handling has made him extremely difficult to stop. He has been the focal point of Leeds’ attacking thrusts, often breaking the line and creating opportunities for his teammates. His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in Leeds’ strong season.
**Centre – Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Hanley featured in just 16 games after returning from injury, yet his impact was immediate and profound. His form earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam praised Hanley as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced, a description that matches Hanley’s aggressive running lines and defensive tenacity.
This is his second consecutive Dream Team selection. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft returned to the Dream Team for the first time in four years, finishing second overall in the try‑scoring chart with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo. His ability to spot gaps, create scoring chances and finish himself has been a hallmark of Leeds’ attacking play. Croft’s vision and timing at stand‑off have made him a constant threat throughout the season.
**Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor claimed the Man of Steel award and earned his second straight Dream Team place. He recorded an astonishing 43 assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best creator, Jackson Hastings.
Connor’s kicking accuracy and game‑management have been pivotal for Leeds, and his playmaking will be crucial as the Rhinos aim to convert regular‑season consistency into playoff success. 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 lynchpin for the Warriors, offering relentless tackling and a measured aggression that sets him apart as the standout hooker of the year. His presence stabilises Wigan’s middle third, and the team’s performance noticeably dips when he is absent. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy performed admirably in the same role, but O'Neill’s influence has been more pronounced.
**Prop – Wakefield Trinity’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing heavily to the club’s best ever Super League finish. His metres‑gaining runs and defensive solidity earned him a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup. He consistently provides forward momentum and a solid platform for his teammates. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player this season.
His high‑impact runs and off‑load ability keep the attack fluid and dangerous, ensuring the ball never feels dead in his hands. He consistently ranks among the top gain‑makers in the league. **Second‑Row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team.
He has been a dependable figure in the defensive line, excelling in marker tackles, while also providing strong ball‑carrying that opens up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑Row – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections. His relentless work rate and ability to make the hard yards have been vital for Leeds.
When he is off the field, the Rhinos noticeably lose some of their forward momentum. **Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie secured the loose‑forward spot after a standout season for the Wolves, who finished third overall. He ranked among the league leaders in total tackles and marker tackles, providing a constant, reliable presence in Sam Burgess’ side.
His leadership qualities and consistency have made him a talisman for Warrington. The Dream Team also acknowledges the contributions of Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective positions, and notes that Oli Partington likely received strong vote support after an outstanding year with Wigan. **Upcoming Playoff Fixtures** - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards – 8 pm (Sky Sports) - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR – 5:30 pm (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBC – 8 pm (Sky Sports) - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBC – 5:30 pm (Sky Sports) The Super League playoffs commence on 18 September, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will culminate with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.