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 Leeds representatives, two each from the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, and single entries from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique. Many observers were taken aback by the relatively modest presence of the Warriors in the line‑up, especially given that they have already secured a domestic double and are eyeing a potential treble should they advance to the Grand Final.
Brad Arthur’s side rode high for most of the campaign, only to stumble in the crucial showdown against Matt Peet’s squad, ultimately finishing as runners‑up. Four of the chosen players have previously earned Dream Team honours, while the remaining nine are newcomers to the elite list. Below is a detailed look at each selection and the contributions that earned them a place among the season's best performers. **Full‑back – Leeds' Rising Star** Leeds’ full‑back has been a revelation in 2026, consistently delivering electrifying attacking plays.
He topped the Man of Steel leaderboard for the first nine rounds and remained a strong contender throughout the middle third of the season. Unfortunately, a season‑ending hamstring tear has sidelined him just as the playoffs approach, leaving fans to wonder how much further his influence could have propelled Leeds. His synergy with the half‑backs, blistering speed, and ability to create space in broken‑play situations have set a new benchmark for the position. **Full‑back – Wigan’s Contender** While Wigan’s own full‑back, Jai Field, has also performed admirably, the Leeds man was deemed the more reliable option over the course of the year, earning the nod for consistency and impact.
**Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds)** Maika Sivo enjoyed a historic year on the wing, registering an astonishing 29 tries before a forearm injury in round 20 forced him out of action. Despite missing six matches, he still finished as the league’s top try‑scorer, a testament to his lethal finishing ability and relentless work ethic.
**Wing – Wigan’s Prolific Scorer** Wigan’s winger, who amassed 27 tries, proved to be a dependable source of points. His development over the season has turned him into a player the team can count on in every facet of the game, from attack to defence. **Centres – Ash Handley (Leeds) & Umyla Hanley (Leeds)** Umyla Hanley, limited to 16 appearances due to an early‑season injury, returned in spectacular fashion, earning an England call‑up ahead of the World Cup.
His resurgence highlighted his fierce competitiveness, a quality praised by head coach Adrian Lam. Ash Handley, the Rhinos’ captain, dominated the centre channel with a blend of power, speed, and tactical acumen, making him a virtually unstoppable force throughout the campaign. **Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds)** Brodie Croft secured the second‑most tries in the league, tallying 28 – just one shy of Sivo. His knack for finding gaps and converting opportunities earned him a return to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus.
**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds)** Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, led the league with an extraordinary 43 assists, outpacing the next best creator by 14. His precise kicking and vision were instrumental in Leeds’ attacking structure, and his consistency will be crucial as the playoffs loom. Harry Smith also enjoyed a strong season and was a notable contender for the scrum‑half slot.
**Hooker – Brad O'Neill (Wigan)** Brad O'Neill was the defensive lynchpin for Wigan, delivering relentless tackling and measured aggression. His presence elevated the team’s overall performance, and his absence was noticeably felt when he was off the field. Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, but O'Neill’s leadership in the middle of the park set him apart as the standout hooker.
**Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield)**\nCaleb Hamlin‑Uele helped Wakefield achieve their highest ever Super League finish. His powerful runs and defensive solidity earned him an England squad call‑up ahead of the World Cup, and his ability to gain metres consistently made him a key engine for the club. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)** Joe Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s most influential forward, consistently delivering strong carries and providing an off‑load threat that kept the opposition’s defence guessing.
His impact placed him among the league’s elite front‑rowers. **Second‑Row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Mathieu Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Dream Team. His defensive work, particularly in marker tackles, combined with his ball‑carrying prowess, helped open attacking channels for his side. **Second‑Row – James McDonnell (Leeds)** James McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft, and Hanley as repeat honourees.
His relentless work rate and ability to win the hard yards have become a hallmark of Leeds’ forward play, and the team noticeably loses momentum when he is not on the field. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Ben Currie capped a standout season for Warrington, ranking near the top of the league in total tackles and marker tackles. His consistency and leadership qualities made him a talisman for Sam Burgess’ side and a deserving inclusion in the Dream Team. Additional notable performers who received recognition include Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana, both of whom impressed in their respective roles.
While Oli Partington was not selected, his sensational year for Wigan likely placed him high in the voting. The playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports at 8 p.m., followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are slated for September 25 (Leeds versus a TBD opponent) and September 26 (Wigan versus a TBD opponent), leading to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.
The Dream Team selections underscore the depth of talent across the league and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Super League season.