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 groups: the Man of Steel panel contributed half of the total weight, a curated panel of rugby league journalists supplied 30 percent, and the remaining 20 percent came from the league’s own fans.

When the votes were tallied, the final eleven comprised six Rhinos, two Warriors, two Leopards, and one each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique. The relatively modest presence of Wigan Warriors on the Dream Team may surprise some observers, especially considering that the club already secured a domestic double and remains in contention for a treble should they advance to the Grand Final. By contrast, Brad Arthur’s Rhinos rode a wave of consistency for most of the campaign, only stumbling in the decisive clash against Matt Peet’s side, which ultimately left them in second place. Four of the eleven honorees have previously earned Dream Team honors, while the remaining seven are first‑time recipients.

Below is a detailed look at each player, why they stood out during the regular season, and how their performances shaped the narrative of 2026. **Full‑back – Liam Miller (Leeds Rhinos)** Miller’s 2026 season was a masterclass in the full‑back role.

He led the Man of Steel points table for the opening nine rounds and remained a top‑three contender through the latter half of the year. His explosive speed, sharp decision‑making and seamless link‑up with the half‑backs made him a constant threat in broken‑play situations. Unfortunately, a severe hamstring tear forced him out for the remainder of the campaign, leaving fans to speculate how much further his influence could have carried Leeds in the playoffs. Despite the injury, his impact was undeniable, and his consistency earned him the Dream Team nod over Wigan’s Jai Field, who also enjoyed a strong season.

**Wing – Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos)** Sivo’s year was nothing short of spectacular. Even after missing six matches due to a forearm injury sustained in round 20, he still finished as the league’s top try‑scorer with 29 tries, a testament to his lethal finishing ability. His combination of raw power and uncanny timing allowed him to breach defenses at an astonishing rate, making him a nightmare for opposition coaches. Sivo’s performance underscores how dominant he can be when fully fit, and his inclusion reflects his status as a true try‑scoring phenom.

**Wing – Elliot Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)** Eckersley proved to be Wigan’s most reliable winger this season, crossing the line 27 times – just two shy of Sivo’s tally. He has evolved into a well‑rounded attacker who not only scores but also creates space for teammates, delivering consistent metre‑gains and defensive solidity.

His reliability on both ends of the field made him an obvious choice for the Dream Team. **Centre – Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos)** As captain of the Rhinos, Handley has been the cornerstone of their midfield throughout 2026.

His blend of size, speed and ball‑carrying power has made him virtually unstoppable in the centre channel. Handley’s leadership, combined with his ability to break tackles and generate line‑breaks, cemented his place among the elite centres in the league. **Centre – Umyla Hanley (Leeds Rhinos)** Hanley’s season was a comeback story. After a serious injury early in the year, he returned to action for just 16 games but made an immediate impact, displaying form that earned him a call‑up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

His aggressive running and defensive tenacity impressed head coach Adrian Lam, who described him as the most "fierce" competitor he has ever faced. Hanley’s back‑to‑back Dream Team selections highlight his rapid rise.

**Stand‑off – Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos)** Croft’s playmaking prowess shone brightly, and he finished the season second on the try‑scoring list with 28 tries – only one behind his own winger, Sivo. His vision, kicking accuracy and ability to exploit gaps made him a constant threat. Returning to the Dream Team after a four‑year hiatus, Croft demonstrated that his creative spark remains a vital ingredient in Leeds’ attacking engine.

**Scrum‑half – Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)** Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, topped the assist chart with an impressive 43 try assists, far ahead of the second‑placed Jackson Hastings (29). His precise kicking game, tactical awareness and ability to orchestrate attacks under pressure were instrumental in Leeds’ success. Connor’s back‑to‑back Dream Team inclusion reflects his status as one of the league’s most influential playmakers.

**Hooker – Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)** O’Neill was the defensive lynchpin for a Warriors side eager to claim the title. His relentless work rate, disciplined aggression and ability to dominate the ruck earned him recognition as the season’s standout hooker.

While Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy also impressed, O’Neill’s presence often dictated Wigan’s overall performance, with the team noticeably less cohesive when he was absent. **Prop – Caleb Hamlin‑Uele (Wakefield Trinity)** Hamlin‑Uele played a pivotal role in Wakefield’s historic best‑ever league finish.

His relentless ball‑carrying, strong defensive work and ability to gain metres in crucial moments made him a fan favourite. His performances also earned him a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup, underscoring his growing reputation on the international stage. **Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)** Ofahengaue emerged as Leigh’s most impactful forward, consistently ranking among the top gain‑makers and offering a dangerous off‑load option that kept opposition defenses on their heels.

His physicality and work ethic helped Leigh secure a strong league position and cemented his status as a key contributor. **Second‑row – Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)** Jussaume made history as the first Toulouse Olympique player to be named in a Super League Dream Team. Known for his defensive reliability, especially in marker tackles, he also displayed impressive ball‑carrying ability, often breaking the line and creating attacking opportunities for his side. **Second‑row – James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos)** McDonnell earned his fourth Dream Team appearance, joining Connor, Croft and Hanley as repeat honorees.

His consistency, hard‑running style and relentless tackling made him a cornerstone of the Rhinos’ forward pack. When McDonnell is off the field, Leeds visibly lose some of their forward momentum, highlighting his importance. **Loose Forward – Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)** Currie’s season was defined by his work ethic and leadership.

Ranking among the league’s top tacklers and marker tacklers, he provided a steadying influence for a Wolves side that finished third. His experience and tenacity made him a natural choice for the Dream Team’s loose‑forward slot. **Additional Notable Mentions** Players such as Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana also delivered strong performances in their respective positions, while Oli Partington’s spectacular year for Wigan likely placed him high in the voting tally, even though he missed out on the final eleven.

**Play‑off Schedule** The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.

The following day sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are slated for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos vs.

TBD at 8 p.m.) and 26 September (Wigan Warriors vs. TBD at 5:30 p.m.), both broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The Grand Final will conclude the season at Old Trafford on 3 October. In summary, the 2026 Dream Team showcases the depth of talent across the league, with Leeds Rhinos providing the majority of selections.

Their players’ blend of speed, power, creativity and defensive grit not only earned individual accolades but also propelled the club to a strong finish and a coveted place in the postseason.