THE DALLY M's - Behind the Legacy

The Dally M Award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in Australian rugby league. It is presented annually by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to the player voted as the best in the National Rugby League (NRL) during the regular season.

Key Points About the Dally M Award:

1. Named After Dally Messenger: The award is named after Dally Messenger, a legendary figure in rugby league history. Messenger was one of the game's pioneering players and is often referred to as one of the first true stars of rugby league in Australia. His impact on the sport during its early years earned him a lasting legacy.

2. Criteria: The Dally M is awarded based on votes from a panel of rugby league experts (often including former players, coaches, and journalists). After each game, the panel votes on the three best players. The player who receives the most points over the course of the regular season wins the award.

   • The best player in a game gets 3 points.

   • The second-best player gets 2 points.

   • The third-best player gets 1 point.

     
     

   These votes accumulate throughout the season, with the player with the most points at the end of the regular season winning the prestigious Dally M Medal.

   
   

3. Other Awards: The Dally M Awards night is not just about the player of the year. There are several other categories, such as:

   • Dally M Fullback of the Year

   • Dally M Halfback of the Year

   • Dally M Prop of the Year

   • Dally M Coach of the Year

   • Dally M Rookie of the Year

   These awards celebrate excellence in specific positions and roles within the team, offering a broader range of recognition.

   
   

4. Historical Significance: The Dally M Award has been given annually since 1980, though its origins trace back even further. Over the years, it has been a hallmark of individual achievement, and winning it is considered a career-defining moment for many players. Legends like Andrew Johns, Jonathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, and Johnathan Thurston have all won the award multiple times, cementing their places as some of the NRL’s greatest players.

   
   

5. Dally M Medal: The winner of the Dally M Award receives the Dally M Medal, a prestigious trophy that represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the NRL season.

   
   
   
   

Why It's Important:

The Dally M Award is more than just a reflection of a player’s talent; it is a recognition of consistency, influence on matches, and overall performance over an entire season. It brings attention not just to star players but to the importance of all roles in the game—whether it's a fullback, halfback, or forward. The award has grown to symbolize excellence in rugby league and provides fans with a way to celebrate their favorite players.

In short, the Dally M Award is a celebration of individual brilliance in the NRL, and winning it can be a defining moment in a player’s career.