The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce the 2026 Players’ Dream Team – the best 14 players in their respective positions, as voted by NRL players.
The Players’ Champion awards are presented by Select Cards.
The 2026 Players’ Dream Team:
- Fullback: James Tedesco
- Wingers: Selwyn Cobbo, Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Centres: Herbie Farnworth, Simi Sasagi
- Five-Eighth: Braydon Trindall
- Halfback: Nathan Cleary
- Props: Naufahu Whyte, Payne Haas
- Hooker: Wayde Egan
- Second Rowers: Haumole Olakau’atu, Tallis Duncan
- Lock: Erin Clark
- Impact: Kurt Donoghoe
The 2026 Players’ Dream Team is a historic one, with James Tedesco becoming the first player to be selected by his peers six times. The fullback previously appeared in the Players’ Dream Team in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022 and 2025.
Payne Haas climbs to outright second on the all-time list with his fifth appearance in the Players’ Dream Team, having previously appeared in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Herbie Farnworth continues to establish himself as one of the premier centres in rugby league, being voted in the Players’ Dream Team for a stunning fourth consecutive season. Farnworth and Nathan Cleary now join Cameron Munster with four all-time Dream Team selections.
The Roosters (Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Naufahu Whyte) and Dolphins (Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kurt Donoghoe) lead the Dream Team with three player-voted picks each. The Warriors (Erin Clark, Wayde Egan) have two players, while the Raiders, Sharks, Panthers, Broncos, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs have a player each.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I congratulate the 14 outstanding players selected by their peers in the 2026 Players’ Dream Team,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA.
“Across the season, these players have consistently produced at the highest level and played significant roles for their respective teams. To earn a place in the best team of the year through the votes of the players you compete against each week is a tremendous recognition of their performances.
“The Players’ Dream Team carries enormous significance because it is determined by the players themselves. Each of these 14 players has earned the respect of their peers through the standard they have set throughout the 2026 season, and they should be incredibly proud of this achievement.”
Most appearances in the Players’ Dream Teams from the NRL:
• 6 – James Tedesco
• 5 – Payne Haas
• 4 – Cameron Munster, Herbie Farnworth, Nathan Cleary
• 3 – Cameron Smith, Brian To’o, Harry Grant, Stephen Crichton
