Dally M awards 2026 live: Nathan Cleary beams in from his couch and Tamika Upton makes history as they earn NRL and NRLW's top honours

Nathan Cleary beamed into the Dally M gala night from his couch to deliver a touching speech.

Broncos star Tamika Upton has won the NRLW Dally M Medal.

She polled 31 votes to pull ahead of Raecene McGregor on 29 votes.

It is the third time she’s won the award, making history as the first player in the NRLW to achieve the feat.

Nathan Cleary has completed rugby league’s boxed set, with the Penrith star claiming his maiden Dally M Medal after romping to a dominant victory at the NRL’s gala night.

Unable to attend the awards after his horror ankle injury in Penrith’s preliminary-finals loss, Cleary finished 14 points clear of Cronulla half Braydon Trindall.

Tamika Upton also claimed her third Dally M Medal as NRLW player of the year, defending her crown from last year when the Brisbane fullback became the award’s first multiple winner.

Warriors mentor Andrew Webster pipped Justin Holbrook to be the NRL’s coach of the year, while Canberra playmaker Ethan Sanders was rookie of the year.

But the story of the night was Cleary, who left hospital on Wednesday after undergoing emergency surgery on his ankle.

Despite being the best player of this decade, the Dally M had somehow evaded Cleary due to a run of injuries or suspensions.

Cleary had earlier this year claimed his maiden Wally Lewis Medal, silencing his critics by leading NSW to a 2-1 State of Origin series victory.

He has also won two Clive Churchill Medals to go with his four premierships at Penrith.

Millie Elliott was awarded the Veronica White Medal in recognition of her work in disability and wellbeing programs.

‘I want to say thank you so much for this award… I know we don’t do any of this work for these awards but it is special to be recognised,’ she said.

‘I started the Trainer Group Foundation because of my little sister Hannah who has down syndrome and my brother-in-law James who has autism. I come from a regional area in NSW and sport was always that centre for community and connection where people with disabilities felt like they really belonged and wanted to be part of something.

‘When my little sister finished school I noticed that had kind of faded away and I wanted to bridge that gap and involve two loves of mine which was people like my sister and rugby league.’

Try of the Year went to Alex Johnston while Jai Arrow was awarded the Peter Frilingos Headline Moment of the Year and Provan-Summons Medal.

Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly read a pre-prepared speech on behalf of Arrow, who thanked everyone for their support following his motor neurone disease diagnosis.

Ali Brigginshaw won the NRLW Provan-Summons Medal for showing the ‘spirit of the game’.

Mackenzie Wiki won the NRLW Try of the Year award.

The Knights’ Mercedez Taulelei-Siala won the NRLW award having scored 14 tries across 13 games this season.

‘I had the best captain, Yasmin Meakes, she made it easier for me. I had the best teammates ever, they made my transition from school to first grade so much easier for me,’ she said.

Ethan Sanders was awarded the NRL rookie of the year award.

‘I’m super grateful for the Raiders bringing me down two years ago,’ he said.

‘I needed to come out of my comfort zone and move away from home. I’m grateful that did happen.’

The Dally M awards ceremony is underway with several winners already announced.

Sydney Rabbitohs player Campbell Graham won the Ken Stephen Medal in recognition of his community work.

That includes his work at South Cares and volunteering through the St Vincent de Paul Society.

‘It’s a huge honour to win this award … I’m very proud to be part of a sport that so graciously gives to communities across the whole nation,’ he said.

The ballots are being counted inside the Dally M awards, with Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards tied for first at 44 votes each at Round 18.

In the NRLW tally, at Round 8 Raecene McGregor is in the lead at 26 votes ahead of Tarryn Aiken at 23 votes.

Nathan Cleary – 44

Dylan Edwards – 44

Jackson Ford – 39

Braydon Trindall – 38

Haumole Olakau’atu – 35

Raecene McGregor – 26

Tarryn Aiken – 23

Tamika Upton – 19

Jessica Sergis – 18

Teagan Levi – 16

The man who holds the most powerful job in rugby league has made an appearance on the red carpet.

Peter V’landys brought along daughter Katrina to the awards night.

He left his side job with Racing NSW to take over the executive chairman role at the NRL earlier this month.

The position was made specifically for V’landys after former CEO Andrew Abdo left to run Tennis Australia.