Dally M Awards: Every Winner Ever!

Oct 2, 2025 by ADMIN 35 views

The Dally M Awards are the most prestigious individual honors in the National Rugby League (NRL). Recognizing the league's best players each season, these awards celebrate on-field excellence, leadership, and overall impact. For fans and players alike, winning a Dally M is a career highlight, solidifying a player's place in rugby league history. This article dives deep into the history of the Dally M Awards, chronicling every winner and their remarkable achievements. From legendary fullbacks to dominant forwards, we'll explore the careers and contributions of these exceptional athletes. So, whether you're a die-hard NRL supporter or new to the sport, get ready to relive some of the greatest moments and learn about the stars who have shaped the game. Understanding the Dally M Awards is crucial for appreciating the rich tapestry of the NRL. These awards not only honor individual brilliance but also reflect the evolution of the sport, the changing dynamics of team play, and the enduring spirit of competition. By examining the list of winners, we gain insight into the qualities that define success in rugby league: skill, determination, teamwork, and resilience. The Dally M Medal itself is a symbol of these values, representing the pinnacle of achievement for NRL players. Each year, the anticipation builds as the season progresses, with fans eagerly speculating about who will be crowned the best of the best. This excitement underscores the significance of the awards and their role in shaping the narrative of the NRL season. — Callum Ah Chee: Everything You Need To Know

Dally M Medal Winners

The Dally M Medal, named after legendary rugby league administrator Dally Messenger, is awarded to the NRL's best and fairest player each year. The selection process involves a panel of experts who cast votes after each regular season game. These votes are tallied throughout the season, and the player with the highest total at the end is awarded the coveted medal. Let's take a look at the list of winners and their respective years: — Ending A Contract Marriage: Your Guide To A Clean Break

1980 – Robert Laurie
1981 – Steve Rogers
1982 – Ray Price
1983 – Terry Lamb
1984 – Michael Potter
1985 – Gavin Miller
1986 – Peter Sterling
1987 – Ben Elias
1988 – Gavin Miller
1989 – Greg Alexander
1990 – Cliff Lyons
1991 – Michael O’Connor
1992 – Gary Freeman
1993 – Laurie Daley
1995 – Andrew Johns
1996 – Allan Langer
1997 – Andrew Johns
1998 – Andrew Johns
1999 – Brett Kimmorley
2000 – Trent Barrett
2001 – Preston Campbell
2002 – Andrew Johns
2003 – Not awarded
2004 – Danny Buderus
2005 – Cameron Smith
2006 – Cameron Smith
2007 – Johnathan Thurston
2008 – Matt Orford
2009 – Jarryd Hayne
2010 – Todd Carney
2011 – Billy Slater
2012 – Ben Barba
2013 – Cooper Cronk
2014 – Jarryd Hayne, Johnathan Thurston
2015 – Johnathan Thurston
2016 – Cooper Cronk, Jason Taumalolo
2017 – Cameron Smith
2018 – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2019 – James Tedesco
2020 – Jack Wighton
2021 – Tom Trbojevic
2022 – Nicho Hynes
2023 – Kalyn Ponga

Multiple Dally M Medal Winners

Several players have distinguished themselves by winning the Dally M Medal multiple times, showcasing their consistent excellence and dominance in the league. These multiple winners are considered among the greatest players to ever grace the NRL, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Andrew Johns, widely regarded as one of the best halfbacks in history, leads the pack with four Dally M Medals (1995, 1996, 1998, 2002). His exceptional playmaking skills, leadership, and competitive spirit made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Following closely behind is Cameron Smith, another legendary figure, who secured three Dally M Medals (2005, 2006, 2017). Smith's longevity, tactical brilliance, and unwavering consistency at hooker cemented his status as an icon of the game. Gavin Miller, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston have each won the award twice, demonstrating their sustained high performance over several seasons. These players not only achieved individual accolades but also led their teams to success, further solidifying their legacies. Their multiple Dally M wins are a testament to their dedication, skill, and impact on the NRL. They serve as role models for aspiring players and inspire fans with their incredible achievements. Their names are forever etched in the history of the Dally M Awards and the NRL as a whole.

Other Dally M Awards

Beyond the prestigious Dally M Medal, several other awards recognize outstanding performances in specific positions and categories. These awards celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of players throughout the league. Here's a rundown of some of the key Dally M Awards:

Dally M Halfback of the Year: Awarded to the best halfback in the NRL, recognizing playmaking skills, leadership, and overall impact on the team's attack.
Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year: Recognizing the top five-eighth, this award celebrates creativity, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
Dally M Hooker of the Year: This award honors the best hooker in the league, acknowledging their defensive work, dummy-half running, and tactical nous.
Dally M Prop of the Year: Awarded to the leading prop, recognizing their strength, endurance, and ability to dominate the forward battle.
Dally M Second-Rower of the Year: Celebrating the best second-rower, this award acknowledges their versatility, tackling ability, and attacking prowess.
Dally M Fullback of the Year: Recognizing the top fullback, this award celebrates their running game, defensive skills, and ability to support the attack.
Dally M Winger of the Year: Awarded to the best winger, acknowledging their speed, finishing ability, and defensive contributions.
Dally M Lock of the Year: This award honors the leading lock, recognizing their work rate, tackling ability, and leadership in the forward pack.
Dally M Coach of the Year: Recognizing the coach who has made the most significant impact on their team's performance, leadership, and overall success.
Dally M Captain of the Year: Awarded to the captain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, both on and off the field.
Dally M Rookie of the Year: Celebrating the best first-year player who has shown outstanding potential and made a significant impact on their team.
Dally M Top Tryscorer: Awarded to the player who has scored the most tries during the regular season.
Dally M Top Pointscorer: Recognizing the player who has accumulated the most points during the regular season.

Significance of These Awards

The additional Dally M Awards play a crucial role in highlighting the diverse talents and specialized skills within the NRL. While the Dally M Medal celebrates the overall best player, these position-specific awards recognize the unique contributions of players in different roles. For instance, the Dally M Halfback of the Year acknowledges the importance of playmaking and leadership, while the Dally M Prop of the Year honors the often-unsung heroes in the forward pack. These awards also provide a platform for recognizing emerging talent. The Dally M Rookie of the Year award shines a spotlight on promising young players who are making their mark on the league. This recognition can boost their confidence, increase their profile, and inspire them to continue developing their skills. Furthermore, the Dally M Coach of the Year award acknowledges the vital role that coaches play in shaping team performance and fostering a winning culture. It celebrates their strategic acumen, leadership skills, and ability to motivate players. The Dally M Captain of the Year award recognizes the importance of leadership on and off the field, highlighting the qualities that make a successful captain: communication, resilience, and the ability to inspire their teammates. Overall, these additional Dally M Awards contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the game, celebrating the diverse talents and contributions of players and coaches alike. They add to the excitement and prestige of the awards ceremony, making it a highlight of the NRL season.

Conclusion

The Dally M Awards stand as a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and sportsmanship that define the National Rugby League. From the coveted Dally M Medal to the various positional and achievement awards, these accolades recognize the best and brightest stars of the NRL each season. Winning a Dally M Award is a career-defining moment, solidifying a player's legacy and earning them a place in rugby league history. The list of Dally M Medal winners reads like a who's who of NRL legends, featuring iconic players such as Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, and Johnathan Thurston. These players have not only achieved individual accolades but have also led their teams to success, inspiring fans with their skill, determination, and leadership. The additional Dally M Awards further celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of players in different positions, highlighting the importance of teamwork and specialized skills. These awards recognize the often-unsung heroes in the forward pack, the creative playmakers in the backline, and the emerging talent who are shaping the future of the game. As the NRL continues to evolve, the Dally M Awards will remain a vital part of its fabric, honoring the exceptional individuals who make the league so exciting and compelling. These awards not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire future generations of players to strive for excellence, ensuring that the legacy of the Dally M Awards endures for years to come. So, here's to the Dally M Awards – a celebration of rugby league's finest! — Where To Watch The 2025 Dally M Awards: Complete Guide