Dally M Awards live updates: Multiple plans in play for Cleary to accept top honour

Dolphins gun Herbie Farnworth has arrived with Lily Pickles on his arm, and she’s a standout in a gold shimmering frock.

A plunging neckline and wrap detailing on the waist only add to the glamour of the look.

It really is a lovely dress, so it’s no surprise it’s not the first time we’ve seen it tonight!

Tayla Preston of the Canterbury Bulldogs NRLW team appears to be wearing the same gown – and both are looking incredible.

Warriors favourite James Fisher-Harris arrives with an adorable plus one on his arm, his daughter Tahira.

While the Wahs missed out on a spot in the grand final despite a great year, this night out is no doubt going to be the highlight of Tahira’s season.

The adorable duo played it up for the cameras too, clearly she takes after her dad when it comes to soaking up the spotlight!

The red carpet has officially kicked off for 2026!

We’ve got our first NRL and NRLW players arriving, and it looks like all the prep has paid off with some stunning looks already.

The Dally M’s are just as much about the fashions as they are the footballers, and the ladies are dressed to impress - but hey, the men are too!

The band members of Silverchair are back agreeing with each other.

But it won’t lead to a reunion at the NRL grand final.

“For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something: GO KNIGHTS,” frontman Daniel Johns wrote on Instagram.

“It’s all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together, and it’s pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys.

“Thanks to everyone who’s asked if we’re playing before the game. We’re way too rusty, so sorry, no can do. We won’t be taking the stage, but we’ll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and there in spirit.

“Wishing the Newy players all the luck in the world this Sunday. Up the Knights! From The Chair.”

A tribute to Jai Arrow has been revealed as the pre-game entertainment in place of Tones and I after the NRL and her couldn’t agree to a deal.

A plan has been put in place for Nathan Cleary to accept the Dally M Medal should he win it tonight, as the star playmaker remains in hospital with a broken leg.

Cleary underwent surgery on Monday for a double compound fracture to his left leg which he suffered as a result of a nasty hip-drop tackle by Phoenix Crossland.

Crossland has since been hit with a four-game ban and will miss the grand final.

But with Cleary the favourite to win, the NRL are working with him to set up a video stream, should he feel healthy enough to do so, to appear at the award’s ceremony so he can accept the top gong.

Cleary will feature on the video call from his hospital bed at the Royal North Shore hospital, as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Alternate options if Cleary is not well enough to accept his award via a video call include his father and coach, Ivan, collecting the medal on his behalf.

The NRL has also considered the halfback pre-recording an acceptance speech.

If he is to win the award, it will be the first time Cleary has done so in his career.

Here are some of the past Dally M medal winners.

2025: James Tedesco and Tamika Upton

2024: Jahrome Hughes and Olivia Kernick

2023: Kalyn Ponga and Tamika Upton

2022: Nicho Hynes and Raecene McGregor

2021: Tom Trbojevic, Millie Elliot and Emma Tonegato

2020: Jack Wighton and Ali Brigginshaw

Nathan Cleary is widely considered the favourite to win the most prestigious individual honour a player can claim in the rugby league tonight.

He topped the leaderboard at the end of round 12 and has been a standout for the Penrith Panthers throughout the rest of the regular season and finals series.

His time on the field this season ended in a devastating scene, having been transported to hospital with a compound fracture in Penrith’s preliminary final loss to the Knights on Sunday.

Cleary’s main competition for the award will be his Panthers teammate Dylan Edwards, NSW teammate James Tedesco or Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater.

Jackson Ford was narrowly behind Cleary on the leaderboard in round 12, but due to injury in round 16, he is unlikely to be in the top contenders for the award.

In the NRLW, Tamika Upton is largely favoured to claim her third Dally M medal.

When the voting went behind closed doors after round four, Upton led the leaderboard with 12 points. Roosters playmaker Tarryn Aiken followed with 11.

Raiders gun Sheridan Gallagher, Brisbane’s Jeese Southwell and Titans rookie Teagan Levi were almost among the top contenders for the award at that time.

The Dally M leaderboard has been behind closed doors since the end of round 12 in the NRL and round four in the NRLW.

Here were the standings at the time.

NRL

38 points - Nathan Cleary

35 points - Jackson Ford

32 points - Dylan Edwards

29 points - Scott Drinkwater

27 points - James Tedesco

23 points - Braydon Trindall

22 points - Haumole Olakau’atu

20 points - Adam Doueihi and Latrell Mitchell

19 points - Kalyn Ponga

NRLW

12 points - Tamika Upton

11 points - Sheridan Gallagher and Tarryn Aiken

10 points - Jesse Southwell

9 points - Teagan Levi

8 points - Anndie Robinson, Jamie Chapman and Zahara Temara

7 points - Abbi Church, Ellie Johnston, Faythe Manera, Jocelyn Kelleher and Quincy Dodd

Hello and welcome to nine.com.au’s live coverage of the Dally M awards.

Players are set to hit the red carpet from 5.30pm AEST with the awards ceremony to commence from 6.30pm.