The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six‑player contingent from the Leeds Rhinos. The selection process blended three distinct voting streams: 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 roster comprised six Leeds representatives, two each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, and single entries from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers might find the relatively modest presence of the Warriors surprising, especially considering that they have already secured a domestic double and are poised to chase 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 stumbling in the crucial clash 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 lineup. 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' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in the 2026 campaign, cementing his reputation as one of the competition’s most electrifying full‑backs.
He topped the Man of Steel leaderboard for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the season. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring injury curtailed his campaign, leaving fans to wonder how much further his impact could have been in the playoffs.
Miller’s partnership with the half‑backs has produced countless line‑breaks, and his blistering speed makes him a nightmare to contain in broken‑play situations. While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably in the same role, Miller’s consistency earned him the nod as the premier full‑back for the year.
**Wing – Leeds' Maika Sivo** Sivo’s 2026 season was nothing short of spectacular. Before a forearm injury forced him out in round 20, he amassed an astonishing 29 tries, finishing as the league’s top try‑scorer despite missing six games.
His try‑scoring rate was so prolific that it underscored his status as a true try‑scoring phenom. Sivo’s blend of power, footwork and sheer determination made him a constant threat on the edge, and his ability to finish from almost any position on the field set a benchmark for wingers across the competition.
**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 tally. Over the course of the season he has become a go‑to option for Wigan, delivering metres, solid defence and a growing confidence that makes him a cornerstone of the side’s attacking structure. **Centre – Leeds' Ash Handley (Captain)** Handley has been the dominant centre for the majority of the campaign.
As captain, his combination of physical power, speed and rugby intelligence has made him extremely difficult to stop. He consistently broke the line and created opportunities for his teammates, embodying the leadership qualities that helped Leeds maintain a high standard throughout the season.
**Centre – Leigh’s Umyla Hanley** Although Hanley featured in only 16 games due to a mid‑season injury, his performances upon returning were nothing short of extraordinary. His resurgence earned him a place in the England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Leigh head coach Adrian Lam praised Hanley 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 prowess earned him a spot at stand‑off.
He finished the season as the second‑highest try‑scorer in the league with 28 tries, just one behind his own winger Sivo. Croft’s ability to spot gaps, create scoring opportunities and contribute directly to the scoreboard marked his return to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus. **Scrum‑half – Leeds' Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor claimed the Man of Steel award for 2026 and led the league with an astonishing 43 assists, a figure 14 more than the runner‑up, Jackson Hastings. His vision, crisp passing and reliable kicking game were pivotal in Leeds’ attacking success, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team inclusion underscores 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 a Warriors side that appears ready to claim the ultimate prize. His tackling numbers are among the best in the league, and his disciplined aggression has elevated him to the status of the standout hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s performance is evident whenever he is off the field.
**Prop – Wakefield Trinity's Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele was a near‑constant presence in a Wakefield side that achieved its highest ever Super League finish. His powerful runs and defensive solidity earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, and his ability to gain valuable metres in tight matches was a key factor in his team’s historic season. **Prop – Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout player of the year. His hard‑gaining runs consistently rank among the league’s best, and his off‑load capability ensures that the attack never stalls when he is in possession.
His contributions have been instrumental in Leigh’s strong showing throughout the campaign. **Second‑row – Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Super League Dream Team.
A reliable defender, he excels in marker tackles and also provides strong ball‑carrying ability, helping to open up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑row – Leeds' James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honourees. His relentless work rate and consistency in the forward pack have made him a vital engine for the Rhinos, with his presence often correlating with Leeds’ dominance on the field.
**Second‑row – Warrington Wolves' Ben Currie** Currie earned his place at loose forward after a standout season for a Warrington side that finished third overall. He ranks among the league’s leaders in total tackles and marker tackles, and his steady performances have cemented his reputation as a talismanic leader within Sam Burgess’s squad. **Additional Notables** Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana also delivered impressive performances in their respective roles, earning recognition from fans and pundits alike. While Oli Partington was not ultimately selected, his sensational year for Wigan placed him high in the voting tallies.
**Play‑off Schedule** The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves travel to Hull KR for a 5:30 pm kickoff. Semi‑final one is slated for Friday, 25 September, when Leeds Rhinos face a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm, and semi‑final two follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors taking on their opponent at 5:30 pm. The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Overall, the 2026 Dream Team showcases the depth of talent across the Super League, with Leeds Rhinos providing the largest contingent and several players achieving personal milestones that highlight their influence on the game this year.