The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a striking six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. 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 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league’s passionate fan base.
When the votes were tallied, the final eleven comprised six Rhinos, two Wigan Warriors, two Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation of the Warriors might raise eyebrows, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are still in contention for a historic 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 a late‑stage stumble against Matt Peet’s side saw them slip to second place in the table.
Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite roll call. Below is a comprehensive look at each of the chosen individuals and the contributions that earned them a place among the best performers of the 2026 regular season.
**Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in the full‑back role this year, hitting his stride early and maintaining a high‑level output throughout the first nine rounds, where he topped the Man of Steel points tally. He continued to be a strong contender for the award deep into the second half of the campaign. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear curtailed his involvement just as the playoffs loomed, leaving supporters to wonder how much further his influence could have taken Leeds. Miller’s combination of blistering speed, crisp footwork and intuitive link‑up play with the half‑backs made him a nightmare for opposition defenses, particularly in broken‑play situations.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also shone at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the nod as the league’s most reliable option in that position. **Wing – Leeds’ Maika Sivo** Sivo’s 2026 season was nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury in round 20 forced him out for six games, he was crossing the try line at an astonishing rate, ultimately finishing as the league’s top try‑scorer with 29 tries. His ability to finish from almost any situation – whether it was a swift break, a set‑piece move or a simple tap‑run – made him a constant threat.
Even missing a significant chunk of the season, he still topped the scoring charts, underscoring his lethal efficiency. **Wing – Wigan’s Ethan Eckersley** Eckersley provided a reliable counter‑balance to Sivo’s flashiness. The Wigan winger racked up 27 tries, just two shy of Sivo’s total, and proved himself a workhorse who could be counted on in both attack and defense.
His consistency in gaining metres, making crucial tackles and finishing scoring opportunities cemented his reputation as a dependable component of the Warriors’ backline. **Centre – Leeds’ Ash Handley (Captain)** Handley has been the anchor of Leeds’ centre partnership all season. As captain, his blend of physical dominance, straight‑line speed and defensive solidity made him extremely difficult to contain. He consistently broke the line and created space for teammates, while also serving as a vocal leader on the field.
His performances were a key factor in Leeds maintaining a high‑level of play throughout the campaign. **Centre – Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Hanley’s season was a story of resurgence. After returning from injury, he featured in just 16 games but made an immediate impact, delivering performances that earned him an England squad call‑up ahead of the World Cup. Leigh’s head coach Adrian Lam praised Hanley as the fiercest competitor he has ever encountered, a sentiment reflected in Hanley’s back‑to‑back Dream Team selections.
His ability to break tackles, off‑load in the tackle and generate line‑breaks has been instrumental for Leigh’s attacking thrusts. **Stand‑off – Leeds’ Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking prowess placed him among the season’s top point‑scorers, finishing second in the try‑scoring tally with 28 tries – just one behind Sivo.
His vision, quick decision‑making and knack for exploiting defensive gaps made him a constant threat. After a four‑year absence from the Dream Team, Croft’s resurgence highlighted his importance to Leeds’ spine. **Scrum‑half – Leeds’ Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor’s 2026 campaign was defined by his creative distribution.
He led the league with 43 assists, a margin of 14 more than the runner‑up Jackson Hastings, underscoring his central role in Leeds’ attacking machinery. His precise kicking game also provided a strategic edge, allowing Leeds to control field position and launch effective counter‑attacks.
Connor’s back‑to‑back Dream Team inclusion reflects his status as one of the premier playmakers in the competition. **Hooker – Wigan’s Brad O’Neill** O’Neill has been the defensive lynchpin for the Warriors, delivering relentless work rate and disciplined aggression.
His tackling numbers were among the highest in the league, and his presence often dictated the tempo of Wigan’s defensive structure. When O’Neill is off the field, Wigan’s performance noticeably dips, highlighting his importance to the side. **Prop – Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, contributing both strong defensive efforts and valuable metres in attack. His selection to the England squad ahead of the World Cup attests to his growing reputation.
He helped Wakefield achieve their highest ever Super League finish, showcasing his impact in both phases of play. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s standout forward, consistently delivering high‑impact runs and providing a reliable off‑load option that kept the attack fluid.
His ability to gain hard yards and maintain ball security made him a pivotal figure in Leigh’s forward pack. **Second‑row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to earn a Dream Team spot. His defensive contributions, particularly in marker tackles, were solid, while his ball‑carrying ability helped open up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑row – Leeds’ James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his third consecutive Dream Team nod, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent performer for Leeds.
Known for his relentless work ethic and ability to win the hard yards, his presence is felt whenever he is on the field, and Leeds appear stronger when he is driving forward. **Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie** Currie’s all‑round contributions earned him a place at loose forward. He ranked near the top of the league in total tackles and marker tackles, providing a steadying influence for Sam Burgess’ side. His leadership qualities and consistency made him a natural choice for the Dream Team.
Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective roles, and Oli Partington, who likely received strong vote support after an outstanding season with Wigan. The playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19. Semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, promising an exciting conclusion to a memorable 2026 Super League season.