The 2026 Super League Dream Team has been announced, and the Leeds Rhinos have secured a commanding presence with six of their players earning spots in the elite lineup. 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 supplied 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league’s passionate fan base. This hybrid approach ensured a balanced perspective that reflected both expert analysis and popular opinion.
When the votes were tallied, the final roster featured six Rhinos alongside two representatives from the Wigan Warriors, two from the Leigh Leopards, and single entries from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest representation from the Warriors may raise eyebrows, especially considering they have already clinched a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they advance to the Grand Final. Brad Arthur’s Rhinos rode high for the bulk of the campaign, only to stumble in a crucial showdown against Matt Peet’s side, ultimately finishing the regular season in second place.
Of the fifteen players named, four have previously appeared in a Dream Team, while the remaining nine are debutants. Below is a detailed look at each of the selected athletes and the contributions that earned them a place among the season’s best. **Full‑back – Leeds’ Jack Miller** Miller has been a revelation in 2026, flourishing in the full‑back role. He topped the Man of Steel leaderboard for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the latter part of the season.
Unfortunately, a severe hamstring injury forced him out for the remainder of the year, leaving supporters to wonder how much further his influence could have carried the Rhinos in the playoffs. His partnership with the half‑backs was electrifying, and his blistering speed made 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 for the year. **Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Sivo’s season was nothing short of spectacular.
Before a forearm injury sidelined him in round 20, he amassed an astonishing 29 tries, finishing as the league’s leading try‑scorer despite missing six matches. His try‑scoring rate was almost mythical, and his ability to finish from anywhere on the field made him a constant threat.
**Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan)** Eckersley proved to be a reliable try‑scorer for the Warriors, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s total. Over the course of the season he evolved into a winger that Wigan could depend on in both attack and defense, consistently gaining valuable metres and providing a solid edge on the flanks. **Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds)** As captain of the Rhinos, Handley dominated the centre positions for most of the campaign. His blend of power, speed, and sheer physical presence made him extremely difficult to stop.
Handley’s leadership on the field was evident in the way he repeatedly broke tackles and generated momentum for his teammates. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Hanley featured in only 16 games due to an early‑season injury, yet his performances upon return were extraordinary.
His form earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, and his aggressive, “fierce” style – praised by coach Adrian Lam – secured him a second consecutive Dream Team appearance. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Croft’s playmaking abilities shone brightly this season. He finished the year as the league’s second‑highest try‑scorer with 28 tries, just one behind Sivo.
His knack for finding space and creating scoring opportunities made him a pivotal figure in Leeds’ attack, marking his first Dream Team selection in four years. **Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was the league’s leading assister with 43 assists, a margin of 14 more than the next best, Jackson Hastings.
His tactical kicking and vision were instrumental in Leeds’ offensive structure, and his consistency positions him as a key player heading into the high‑stakes playoff matches. **Hooker – Brad O’Neill (Wigan)** O’Neill has been the defensive lynchpin for the Warriors, delivering relentless tackling and measured aggression. His presence on the field is so influential that Wigan’s overall performance noticeably dips when he is absent, underscoring his status as the standout hooker of the season.
**Hooker – Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield)** While Smoothy performed admirably for Wakefield, O’Neill’s impact on a title‑contending side highlighted the elite level required for Dream Team recognition. **Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)** Hamlin‑Uele helped Wakefield achieve their highest ever Super League finish. His relentless running and defensive solidity earned him an England squad call‑up ahead of the World Cup, and his contributions were vital in both attack and defence.
**Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)** Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s standout forward, consistently delivering strong carries and off‑load options that kept the attack fluid. His ability to gain metres and create second‑phase opportunities placed him among the league’s top performers in the front row. **Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player ever to be named in a Super League Dream Team.
His defensive work, especially in marker tackles, combined with his powerful ball‑carrying, helped open up attacking lanes for his side. **Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** McDonnell secured his fourth Dream Team appearance (including 2025) thanks to his relentless work rate.
He consistently delivers hard yards, and his absence is felt immediately, as Leeds appears noticeably weaker without his powerful runs. **Second‑row – Junior Nsemba (Leeds)** Nsemba’s performances earned him recognition alongside his teammates, contributing solid defensive numbers and occasional attacking flair. **Second‑row – Isaiah Vagana (Leeds)** Vagana’s impact on the field complemented the Rhinos’ spine, providing depth and reliability in the back row.
**Loose‑forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie was a cornerstone for Warrington’s third‑place finish, leading the team in tackles and marker duties. His consistency and leadership qualities made him a natural choice for the Dream Team’s loose‑forward slot. **Loose‑forward – Oli Partington (Wigan)** Although not selected, Partington was a strong contender, having delivered a sensational season for the Warriors. The Dream Team announcement also coincides with the upcoming playoff schedule.
The first round kicks off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 p.m.
The semi‑finals are slated for September 25 (Leeds Rhinos vs. a TBD opponent) and September 26 (Wigan Warriors vs. a TBD opponent). The climax of the season, the Grand Final, will be held at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Overall, the 2026 Dream Team reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, with Leeds Rhinos providing the majority of the selections. Their dominance underscores the club’s strong spine and the pivotal roles played by each of the highlighted athletes throughout a memorable season.