The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a strong showing from the Leeds Rhinos, who have secured six spots in the elite line‑up. The selection process blended three distinct voting blocs: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the total weight, a curated group of rugby league journalists accounted for 30%, and the remaining 20% came from the league's fan base.
When the votes were tallied, the final roster comprised six Leeds players alongside two representatives each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, with single entries from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of the Warriors on the Dream Team may raise eyebrows, especially given that they have already clinched a domestic double and are eyeing a possible treble should they reach the Grand Final. Meanwhile, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos enjoyed a season of high‑flying performances for most of the campaign, only to stumble in the crucial match‑ups against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honors, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this prestigious list.
Below is a detailed look at each of the individuals who have been recognised as the best performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Rising Star** Leeds’ full‑back has been a revelation this year, hitting his stride early and establishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking weapons in the competition. He topped the Man of Steel points table for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender for the award throughout the second half of the season.
Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear ended his campaign prematurely, leaving supporters to speculate on how much further he could have propelled Leeds during the playoffs. His synergy 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 in the full‑back role, the Leeds man was deemed the more consistent performer over the course of the year, earning him the Dream Team nod. **Wing – Try‑Scoring Phenomenon** On the right wing, Maika Sivo continued his reputation as a prolific try‑scorer, finishing the season as the league’s top try‑getter with 29 tries despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20.
His scoring rate was extraordinary, underscoring his lethal finishing ability whenever he was on the field. Opposite him, Wigan’s wingman has also been a constant threat, crossing the line 27 times and establishing himself as a reliable source of metres and points for his side. **Centres – Dynamic Duo** The centre positions were occupied by Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley. Hanley, who played only 16 matches after returning from injury, displayed such form that he earned a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
His performances were described by Leigh coach Adrian Lam as the most "fierce" he has ever seen, a testament to Hanley’s competitive edge. Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre area for the bulk of the season with a blend of power, speed, and relentless work‑rate that made him difficult to stop. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Play‑maker** Brodie Croft returned to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence, slotting in at stand‑off.
He finished the season just one try behind the league’s top scorer, tallying 28 tries and consistently appearing at the right moments to add points for Leeds. His play‑making abilities and knack for finding gaps in the defence have been crucial to the Rhinos’ attacking structure. **Scrum‑half – Man of Steel Jake Connor** Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, secured his place at scrum‑half for the second consecutive year.
He led the league in assists, delivering a staggering 43 set‑ups throughout the campaign—14 more than the next best player, Jackson Hastings. Connor’s precise kicking and vision have been vital for Leeds, and his consistency will be a key factor as the team looks to translate regular‑season dominance into playoff success. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half spot.
**Hooker – Defensive Pillar** Brad O’Neill of Wigan was the standout hooker, providing a steady defensive presence for a side poised to win it all. His tackling numbers were among the best in the league, and his aggression was balanced with discipline, making him a linchpin in Wigan’s defensive machine. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also performed admirably in the role, but O’Neill’s impact was evident whenever he was off the field.
**Second‑Row – Wakefield’s Workhorse** Caleb Hamlin‑Uele was a near‑constant figure for Wakefield, contributing heavily to the club’s best ever Super League finish. His ability to gain metres and his defensive solidity earned him an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup. Similarly, Joe Ofahengaue proved to be Leigh’s most influential player, combining strong ball‑carrying with an off‑load threat that kept the opposition’s defence on its heels. **Prop – Historic Inclusion** Mathieu Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team.
His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, and his powerful carries helped open up attacking opportunities for his side, marking a milestone for the French club. **Loose Forward – Consistent Leader** James McDonnell of Leeds secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat selections. His relentless effort in the loose forward role has been a cornerstone of Leeds’ forward pack, and his absence is felt whenever he is not on the field. Warrington’s Ben Currie earned the final spot at loose forward after a standout season for the third‑placed Wolves.
Currie’s tackling volume, work rate, and leadership qualities made him a natural choice and a talisman for his side. **Additional Honours** Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana also received recognition for their performances in the forward pack, highlighting the depth of talent across the league.
The Dream Team announcement sets the stage for an exciting playoff series, beginning on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports. Subsequent fixtures include Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19, followed by the semi‑finals: Leeds Rhinos will face a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on September 25, and Wigan Warriors will meet their opponent on September 26.
The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the ultimate champion will be crowned.