Super League Dream Team - Behind the Selections

For the first time in 2026, the Betfred Super League Dream Team has been selected through a new process combining the views of experts, journalists and supporters.

Five members of the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel panel provided 50 per cent of the overall weighting, 12 Rugby League journalists accounted for 30 per cent, while the remaining 20 per cent came from supporters who submitted their own Dream Teams.

The resulting XIII is headed by Wigan Warriors winger Zach Eckersley, who recorded the highest weighted score of any player at 90.77. Eckersley was the only member of the XIII unanimously selected by all five Man of Steel panellists, while 11 of 12 journalists also picked the Wigan man and he featured in 66.4% of fan teams. His selection caps another outstanding campaign for the League Leaders’ Shield winners.

Alongside him is Leeds Rhinos’ Maika Sivo, who produced arguably the strongest consensus across the media and supporters. Sivo was the only player in the XIII selected by all 12 journalists, while a remarkable 85.0% of supporters picked him. Four of the five Man of Steel panellists agreed, helping Sivo to an overall score of 87.01.

Leeds teammate Lachlan Miller takes the fullback position. Miller received the backing of four of five panellists, three of 12 journalists and 25.2% of supporters. That heavy expert-panel backing proved decisive after another campaign in which his running threat from fullback has been a major feature of Leeds’ attack.

The Rhinos also provide one of the centres in Ash Handley, who received particularly strong support from the media and public. Handley was selected by three of five panellists and 10 of 12 journalists, while an impressive 72.0% of fans included him.

Joining Handley is Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley. The centre earned four of five panel votes, six of 12 journalist selections and appeared in 52.3% of supporters’ teams, continuing his emergence as one of Super League’s most dangerous outside backs.

Leeds supply both halves. Brodie Croft was selected by three of five panellists and seven of 12 journalists, with 52.3% of supporters also choosing him at stand-off. At scrum-half, Jake Connor received three panel selections and was picked by nine of 12 journalists and 72.0% of fans, reflecting his influence during another outstanding campaign.

The front row contains Leigh’s Joe Ofahengaue, whose selection attracted significant expert and media agreement. He was picked by four of five Man of Steel panellists and 10 of 12 journalists, as well as 47.7% of supporters, producing an overall weighted score of 74.53.

Wakefield Trinity’s Caleb Hamlin-Uele takes the second prop position after helping Trinity secure a place in the Play-Offs. Hamlin-Uele was selected by four of five panellists, five of 12 journalists and 35.5% of fans, with his strong panel support helping him secure his place in the XIII.

Wigan’s Brad O’Neill takes the hooker position with one of the most emphatic overall results. O’Neill received four of five panel selections, 10 of 12 journalist votes and support from 61.7% of fans. His weighted score of 77.34 was the highest of any forward or spine player selected.

At second row, Toulouse Olympique’s Mathieu Jussaume was rewarded for an impressive individual campaign following the French club’s return to Super League. Jussaume was selected by three of five panellists, five of 12 journalists and 46.7% of supporters, giving him an overall score of 51.85.

Leeds’ James McDonnell takes the other second-row position. His strongest backing came from the media, with eight of 12 journalists selecting him. McDonnell also received two of five panel votes and featured in 42.1% of fan teams, earning an overall weighted score of 48.41.

Completing the XIII at loose forward is Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie. Currie was selected by three of five Man of Steel panellists and five of 12 journalists, while 25.2% of supporters included him. His final weighted score of 47.55 secured the number 13 jersey.