James Tedesco continues historic run in 2026 Players’ Dream Team

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, 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

How the Players’ Dream Team voting works:

• Players are eligible for selection in a position they primarily played for the relevant season. This means a player cannot be eligible for selection in more than one position (excluding Impact Players, who can be eligible for an on-field position as well).
• Each player is able to nominate a maximum of one player per position from the list of eligible players; however, they cannot vote for players on their current team.
• The player/s with the most votes for each position will be selected in the Players’ Dream Team.
• Voting is open to all contracted NRL players.

Previous Players’ Dream Teams from the NRL:

• 2025 James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Herbie Farnworth, Stephen Crichton, Xavier Coates, Ethan Strange, Isaiya Katoa, Payne Haas, Harry Grant, Joseph Tapine, Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Young, Erin Clark, Kurt Mann
• 2024 Dylan Edwards, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Herbie Farnworth, Jarome Luai, Jahrome Hughes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Mitchell Barnett, Harry Grant, Angus Crichton, Eliesa Katoa, Isaah Yeo, Terrell May
• 2023: Reece Walsh, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Herbie Farnworth, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Cameron Munster, Shaun Johnson, Payne Haas, Harry Grant, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu, Liam Martin, Patrick Carrigan
• 2022: James Tedesco, Joseph Sua’ali’i, Joseph Manu, Justin Olam, Daniel Tupou, Cameron Munster, Ben Hunt, James Fisher-Harris, Api Koroisau, Joseph Tapine, Jeremiah Nanai, Isaiah Papali’i, Cameron Murray
• 2021: Tom Trbojevic, Brian To’o, Justin Olam, Joseph Manu, Reuben Garrick, Cody Walker, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Brandon Smith, James Fisher-Harris, Isaiah Papali’i, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo
• 2020: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Kotoni Staggs, Brian Kelly, Brett Morris, Luke Keary, Nathan Cleary, Josh Papali’i, Cameron Smith, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Viliame Kikau, Tohu Harris, Cameron McInnes
• 2019: James Tedesco, Maika Sivo, Latrell Mitchell, Will Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Payne Haas, Cameron Smith, Josh Papali’i, John Bateman, Kenny Bromwich, Jake Trbojevic
• 2018: Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Latrell Mitchell, Esan Marsters, Jamayne Isaako, Cameron Munster, Johnathan Thurston, Andrew Fifita, Damien Cook, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Viliame Kikau, Tariq Sims, Jake Trbojevic
• 2017: James Tedesco, Jordan Rapana, Konrad Hurrell, Dane Gagai, David Nofoaluma, Gareth Widdop, Nathan Cleary, Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith, David Klemmer, Jason Taumalolo, Wade Graham, Sam Burgess

All the Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:

• September 23 on Freddy and the Eighth: Dream Team (NRLW)
• September 28 on 100% Footy: Players’ Champion (NRL and NRLW)