Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary secured his first career Dally M Medal and Warriors mentor Andrew Webster claimed Coach of the Year honors at rugby league’s annual gala in Sydney, highlighting a night of major awards ahead of the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals.
Nathan Cleary Captures Maiden Dally M Medal From Home
Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary completed a dominant individual campaign by winning his first career Dally M Medal during a gala event hosted at Barangaroo in Sydney on the eve of the grand finals. Unable to attend in person following emergency surgery for a severe ankle injury sustained during Penrith’s preliminary final loss, Cleary accepted the award from his living room couch.
The Panthers captain entered the ceremony as a heavy favorite and secured the top honor comfortably, finishing the voting period with 67 points. He maintained his lead through the majority of the season and finished 14 points clear of Cronulla halfback Braydon Trindall, who tallied 53 points before a dislocated shoulder cut his regular season short. Cleary’s teammate Dylan Edwards finished third in the men’s voting with 52 points.
Cleary’s win caps a notable year that included leading New South Wales to a State of Origin series victory and earning the Wally Lewis Medal, though a Dally M Medal had previously eluded him due to injuries and suspensions.
Tamika Upton Extends Record With Third NRLW Crown
In the women’s competition, Brisbane Broncos superstar Tamika Upton claimed her third Dally M Medal as the NRLW player of the year, extending her record as the competition’s only multiple winner. Upton defended her crown after holding off a late challenge from Wests Tigers halfback Raecene McGregor, who finished with 29 points to Upton’s 31. Sydney Roosters half Tarryn Aiken placed third with 23 points.
Upton secured the award after polling crucial points in the penultimate round and Round 11. Despite her individual accolades, the fullback acknowledged room for personal growth following a demanding season where she took on sole captaincy duties for Brisbane through a challenging stretch of fixtures.
Warriors Claim Six Awards as Andrew Webster Takes Coach of the Year
The New Zealand Warriors dominated the night by collecting six Dally M Awards, setting a single-season club record. Head coach Andrew Webster earned the NRL Coach of the Year honor for the second time in his career, having previously won it after his inaugural 2023 season with the club.
Webster triumphed over Justin Holbrook of the Newcastle Knights, who was widely favored after guiding his squad from last year’s wooden spoon to a grand final appearance against the Sydney Roosters. Because Dally M voting is restricted to the home-and-away regular season and excludes playoff results, the Knights’ postseason surge did not factor into the coaching ballot.
Additional Warriors award winners included co-captain James Fisher-Harris, named both Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year alongside Naufahu Whyte. Wayde Egan secured Hooker of the Year, Erin Clark won Lock of the Year, and fullback Taine Tuaupiki received the award for Tackle of the Year.
The club’s awards arrive alongside the reality of a straight-set finals exit after finishing the regular season in second place. Webster addressed the team’s postseason shortcomings during the gala, pointing to a thorough internal review following a year defined by major injuries to key players, including a season-ending ACL injury for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and a torn pectoral muscle for Jackson Ford.
We’ve had a good review. We’re tight as a team and as a community.
Andrew Webster, Warriors head coach, via The Spinoff
Webster noted that the squad remains united despite the setbacks, emphasizing a collective commitment to improving their performance and returning stronger for the upcoming season.
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