Dally M 2026: Winners, Leaderboard & Tamika Upton’s Triumph
Last updated: 30 September 2026, 4:15 PM IST
The Dally M Awards are considered the pinnacle of individual achievement in Australian rugby league. Each year, players and fans alike await the unveiling of winners, the final leaderboard, and historic performances that define legacies. In 2026, the spotlight has shone particularly bright, with stars like Tamika Upton capturing headlines and shaping the story of rugby league excellence.
Understanding the Dally M Award
The Dally M Award, named for rugby league icon Dally Messenger, is the most esteemed accolade awarded to the best and fairest players in the National Rugby League (NRL) and National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competitions. This annual honour has a storied history and is renowned for its integrity and role in celebrating all-season brilliance.
- Main Awards: Include Dally M Medal, positional awards, Rookie, Captain, and Coach of the Year.
- Voting: Rugby league experts assign points on a 3-2-1 scale after each game, with late-season votes kept secret to fuel suspense.
- Origins: Began in 1979 (men) and 2018 (women).
Dally M 2026 Results and Impact
This year’s Dally M ceremony concluded with memorable moments and passionate discussion across the rugby league community. Historic wins, including Tamika Upton’s, highlight the depth and growth of both NRL and NRLW competitions.
2026 Dally M Award Winners
| Award | Winner | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Dally M Medal (NRL) | Harry Grant | Melbourne Storm |
| Dally M Medal (NRLW) | Tamika Upton | Brisbane Broncos |
| Dally M Rookie of the Year | Liam Woods | Canterbury Bulldogs |
| Captain of the Year | James Tedesco | Sydney Roosters |
| Coach of the Year | Amy Turner | Brisbane Broncos (Women's) |
These honours cap off a fiercely competitive season and spotlight athletes making significant contributions to their teams and community.
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Dally M Leaderboard and Key Finalists in 2026
The Dally M Leaderboard is a season-long showcase of outstanding form. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Players earn 3, 2, or 1 point per match, decided by judges
- Weekly updates create fan anticipation, but final rounds are kept secret
- Player with the highest tally is awarded on Dally M night
Top NRL Finalists:
- Harry Grant (Storm)
- Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
- Reece Walsh (Broncos)
- Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs)
- Nicho Hynes (Sharks)
Top NRLW Finalists:
- Tamika Upton (Broncos)
- Tarryn Aiken (Broncos)
- Emma Tonegato (Dragons)
- Hannah Southwell (Knights)
Tamika Upton: Defining an Era in NRLW
After earning her second Dally M Medal in three years, Tamika Upton stands as a beacon for young athletes and a leader on and off the field. Her performances have not only led to dominant team results but reshaped expectations of what is possible for women in rugby league.
- First to win the Dally M NRLW Medal twice
- Instrumental in Brisbane Broncos’ stellar season
- Dominant in both regular and finals matches
“Tamika’s instincts, speed, and leadership make her a game-changer in every sense.” — Allana Ferguson, commentator
The Importance of the Dally M and Player Legacy
Winning the Dally M Award goes beyond individual performance. It signifies recognition by peers and experts, enhances future career opportunities, and often leads to greater visibility and sponsorship potential. Most importantly, it becomes a lasting part of a player’s story in the league and inspires future generations.
Recent Dally M Winners: Timeline Snapshot
| Year | NRL Winner | NRLW Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Kalyn Ponga | Tamika Upton |
| 2024 | Nicho Hynes | Brittany Breayley-Nati |
| 2025 | Reece Walsh | Emma Tonegato |
| 2026 | Harry Grant | Tamika Upton |
Expert Opinions on Dally M Significance
“Winning the Dally M is validation of season-long consistency—one of the toughest accolades to achieve in our game.” — Phil Gould, NRL Analyst
“The Dally M inspires athletes to strive for greatness, knowing the game’s legends are watching every round.” — Ruan Sims, NRLW Pioneer
Sources & References
- Official NRL Dally M Awards Page
- NRLW Official Site
- Dally M Medal – Wikipedia
- ABC News Coverage
- Sydney Morning Herald: Dally M Awards 2026
Disclaimer: Information is current as of 30 September 2026, and is for reference and news purposes. For health questions on highlighted products, consult a healthcare professional. Official outcomes may be updated by league or media authorities.
Author: Akshat Malik, sports journalist and analyst specialised in rugby league coverage.