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 that blended the opinions of the Man of Steel panel (accounting for half of the total score), a curated group of rugby league journalists (30 percent), and the league's own fans (the remaining 20 percent). When the votes were tallied, the final lineup included six representatives from Leeds, two from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of Wigan Warriors players may raise eyebrows, especially since the club has already secured a domestic double and is still chasing a treble by aiming to 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 and ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected players have previously earned Dream Team honors, while the remaining nine are newcomers to this elite group. Below is a detailed look at each of the individuals who have been deemed the finest performers across the regular 2026 Super League season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, establishing himself as a premier full‑back with a blend of speed, vision and try‑scoring flair.
He topped the Man of Steel voting after the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle portion of the campaign. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear ended his season prematurely, leaving supporters to wonder how much further his influence could have propelled Leeds in the playoffs. His partnership with the Rhinos’ halves has produced electrifying attacking moves, and his acceleration 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 position for the year. **Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Before a forearm injury forced him out in round 20, Sivo was on a try‑scoring tear, finishing the season as the league’s leading try‑scorer with 29 tries.
Remarkably, he missed six games yet still topped the charts, underscoring his lethal finishing ability. His combination of power, footwork and sheer determination made him a constant threat on the edge of the field. **Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)** Eckersley has emerged as a reliable try‑scoring outlet for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times—just two shy of Sivo’s total. Over the course of the season he has grown into a winger that Wigan can depend on in both attack and defence, contributing crucial metres and solid defensive work.
**Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds)** The Rhinos’ captain has been the dominant centre for most of the campaign. Handley’s blend of brute strength, speed and ball‑handling makes him extremely difficult to stop. His leadership on the field, combined with his ability to break tackles and create scoring opportunities, has cemented his place as a cornerstone of Leeds’ spine. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Hanley returned from injury after just 16 appearances but made an immediate impact, displaying a level of form that earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
His aggressive running lines and defensive tenacity have been praised by head coach Adrian Lam, who described him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced. Hanley’s performances secured him a back‑to‑back Dream Team selection. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft’s playmaking prowess was on full display, and he finished the season second overall in try‑scoring with 28 tries—just one behind Sivo.
His knack for finding gaps and supporting the attack earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year absence. **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, led the league in assists with a staggering 43, a full 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings. His precise kicking game and vision have been pivotal for Leeds, and he also earned a consecutive Dream Team nod.
Connor’s ability to orchestrate play and create scoring chances has been a hallmark of his season. **Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** A near‑constant presence for the Warriors, O'Neill has been the defensive lynchpin of a side poised to win it all.
His tackling technique, measured aggression and consistency have made him the standout hooker of the year. While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also performed admirably, O'Neill’s influence on Wigan’s overall performance is evident whenever he is off the field.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele has been a workhorse for Wakefield, helping the club achieve its highest ever Super League finish. His powerful carries and defensive reliability have attracted the attention of the England selectors ahead of the World Cup.
He consistently gains valuable metres and provides a solid platform for his teammates. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue has arguably been Leigh’s standout performer. His high‑impact runs rank among the league’s best, and his off‑load ability ensures that the attack never stalls when he is in possession. His contributions have been vital to Leigh’s competitive season.
**Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume’s inclusion marks a historic first: he is the inaugural Toulouse Olympique player to make the Dream Team. Known for his defensive work rate, especially in marker tackles, he also carries the ball with impressive momentum, opening up attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell joins Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat Dream Team members, having also featured in the 2025 squad.
His consistency and relentless effort in the middle of the park have made him a vital engine for the Rhinos. When he is absent, Leeds noticeably lose some of their forward momentum. **Loose forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie earned his spot after a standout season for the Wolves, who finished third overall.
He ranks among the league’s leaders in total tackles and marker tackles, providing a steady and reliable presence in Sam Burgess’ side. His leadership qualities have made him a talismanic figure for Warrington.
Other notable mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who impressed in their respective roles, and Oli Partington, who likely garnered significant votes after a sensational year with Wigan. The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Key upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards (Friday, 8 pm), Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR (Saturday, 5:30 pm), and the semi‑finals featuring Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors against yet‑to‑be‑determined opponents.
The excitement builds as the season’s best players look to translate their individual brilliance into team glory.