The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and it features a remarkable six representatives 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 lineup comprised six Leeds players alongside two from the Wigan Warriors, two Leigh Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers were taken aback by the modest presence of the Warriors in the final eleven, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are poised to chase a historic treble should they reach the Grand Final.
In contrast, Brad Arthur's Rhinos enjoyed a soaring campaign for most of the season, only to stumble in the crucial clash against Matt Peet's side, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the selected athletes have earned Dream Team honours before, while the remaining nine are newcomers to the elite list. Below is a detailed look at each player who has been recognised as the best of the best across the 2026 regular season. **Full‑back – Leeds' Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, establishing himself as one of the most electrifying full‑backs in the competition.
He led the Man of Steel voting after the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the latter stages of the campaign. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear forced him out for the remainder of the season, leaving fans to speculate on the impact his presence might have had in the playoffs. Miller’s synergy with the half‑backs, his blistering speed and his ability to exploit broken‑play situations made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
While Wigan’s Jai Field also performed admirably at full‑back, Miller’s consistency earned him the top honour in this position. **Wing – Leeds' Maika Sivo** Sivo’s 2026 season can be described as nothing short of spectacular.
Despite missing six games due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still topped the try‑scoring charts with an astonishing 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His rate of scoring was so high that even the absence of those six matches did not prevent him from leading the league. Sivo’s combination of power, agility and uncanny positional sense made him a constant threat on the edge.
**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 total. Over the course of the year he has grown into a complete winger, contributing not only with his try‑scoring prowess but also with solid defensive work and the ability to generate valuable metres after contact. His consistency has cemented his status as a go‑to option for Wigan in both attack and defence.
**Centres – Leeds' Ash Handley and Leigh's Umyla Hanley** Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre positions for the bulk of the season. His blend of raw power, speed and leadership made him extremely difficult to contain. Hanley, on the other hand, featured in just 16 games due to an earlier injury but returned in spectacular form, earning a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. His performances were so impressive that he secured back‑to‑back Dream Team selections, with Leigh coach Adrian Lam hailing him as the fiercest competitor he has ever faced.
**Stand‑off – Leeds' Brodie Croft** Croft’s playmaking abilities were on full display throughout 2026, and he finished the campaign as the league’s second‑highest try scorer with 28 tries, trailing only Sivo by a single tally. His knack for finding gaps, supporting the ball‑carrier and converting opportunities into points earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus.
**Scrum‑half – Leeds' Jake Connor (Man of Steel)** Connor was the clear assist leader for the season, delivering an astonishing 43 try assists – a figure that dwarfs the second‑placed Jackson Hastings, who managed 29. His precise kicking game and vision were pivotal in Leeds’ attacking structures, and his back‑to‑back Dream Team inclusion reflects his status as one of the competition’s premier playmakers. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong year and was mentioned as a notable contender for the scrum‑half slot.
**Hooker – Wigan's Brad O'Neill** O'Neill was a near‑constant presence in the Warriors’ side, anchoring the defensive unit with relentless work rate and disciplined aggression. His performances have set a new benchmark for hookers in the league, and his influence was evident in the way Wigan’s overall performance dipped when he was off the field. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed at hooker, but O'Neill’s leadership and consistency placed him firmly in the Dream Team.
**Prop – Wakefield Trinity's Caleb Hamlin‑Uele** Hamlin‑Uele played a crucial role in Wakefield’s historic best‑ever league finish. His relentless ball‑carrying, metres gained and defensive solidity earned him a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
He combined power with mobility, often breaking the first line and providing forward momentum at critical moments. **Prop – Leigh's Joe Ofahengaue** Ofahengaue was arguably Leigh’s standout performer, consistently delivering high‑impact carries and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept the opposition on the back foot. His ability to gain significant ground and create second‑phase opportunities made him a vital component of Leigh’s forward pack.
**Second‑row – Toulouse Olympique's Mathieu Jussaume** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player ever to be named in a Super League Dream Team. He was a cornerstone of the French side’s defensive line, excelling in marker tackles and providing a strong ball‑carrying presence that helped open up attacking avenues for his teammates. **Second‑row – Leeds' James McDonnell** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honourees.
His relentless work ethic, high tackle count and ability to drive the ball forward made him indispensable for the Rhinos. When he was off the field, Leeds noticeably lost some of their forward momentum.
**Loose Forward – Warrington Wolves' Ben Currie** Currie capped off a stellar season for the third‑placed Wolves with a Dream Team nod at loose forward. His tackle numbers, including a high count of marker tackles, and his consistent presence in Sam Burgess’ side highlighted his leadership qualities.
He has become a talismanic figure for Warrington, embodying the grit and determination that defined their campaign. Additional noteworthy mentions include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, who both impressed in their respective positions, and Oli Partington, who likely garnered significant votes after an outstanding year with Wigan.
The playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 (Leeds Rhinos vs. TBD at 8 p.m.) and September 26 (Wigan Warriors vs.
TBD at 5:30 p.m.), all broadcast live on Sky Sports. The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the champions will be crowned.