Dally M Awards live updates: Overwhelming answer every star gave to night’s big question

The NRL’s executive chairman Peter V’landys arrived on the red carpet with his daughter.

Retiring NRL star Jai Arrow and his partner Berina Colakovic have arrived at the Dally Ms. 

The couple hit the red carpet in matching black looks, proving chic and classic is always the way to go on such a mammoth night.

Arrow, who finished the season walking out for his 100th game for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, looked dapper in a black tuxedo, paired with a matching black tie.

Meanwhile, Colakovic wore a sassy strapless number that featured plenty of feathers and cheeky split on the leg.

The couple looked to be in high spirits as they posed for the cameras, flashing bright smiles at the crowd of photographers.

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BARANGAROO: We have just wrapped up on the red carpet here for nine.com.au and spoke to some of the game’s biggest stars.

The players involved in this weekend's grand final from the Roosters and Knights are perhaps a little bit more tense than those who are already done and dusted for the season and are here for a few beers and to let their hair down.

There's a recurring theme across the board when it comes to tonight's Dally M Medal winner, with every single player we spoke to picking Nathan Cleary to take out the top gong.

Cameron Murray: I'm gonna have to say Nathan Cleary.

Joseph Tapine: I'm going with Nathan Cleary. He's so consistent every year, he deserves it.

Casey McLean: Our captain Nat. It's been so special to be part of what he's done this season.

Dylan Edwards: Fingers crossed, it should be Nathan.

Tom Dearden: Nathan Cleary for sure.

Blayke Brailey: It's got to be Nathan Cleary, but I reckon Braydon Trindall could maybe be up there as well.

Tom Trbojevic: It's got to be Cleary, doesn't it?

Damien Cook: Yep, it's Nathan Cleary for me.

Mark Nawaqanitawase: I'm going with Nathan Cleary, he's had a wonderful year. It was very sad to see him go out like that on the weekend, but I'm sure he'll come away with the medal tonight.

Keaon Koloamatangi: Got to go with Cleary I think man.

This man has to be a shoo-in for winger of the year.

What a season the cross-code star has had. Will this be the final time we see him at a Dally M or will he return after his stint back in rugby?

While it may be a night of celebrating the biggest achievements from the 2026 NRL and NRLW season, it’s also date night for plenty of these players too.

Tommy Talau of the Sydney Roosters and Jessica Sergis of the Sydney Roosters, who announced their engagement in April this year, arrived in absolutely stunning style.

While Talau kept things classic in a black tux, Sergis was channelling a bit of bridal style with a gorgeous white ensemble.

The fitted corset was paired with a sheer lace skirt and huge train - possibly giving us a hint at what we can expect on their big day?

Millie and Adam Elliott got a similar memo.

The NRLW gun looked absolutely glowing in a fitted white frock, while her South Sydney Rabbitohs husband kept things sleek in a black suit and bowtie.

Kalyn Ponga is on the red carpet, and for the first time he’s there as a grand finalist.

Ponga previously won the Dally M medal in 2023 but is now searching for a team award.

“It’s obviously a different week,” he told 9news Sydney.

“Usually, I’ve had Mad Monday by now. Whether you’re in the grand final or not, it’s a special night.”

Ponga was his usual assured self about this Sunday’s decider.

“I’m always confident, mate. You can’t control what happens in the game, but I’m confident we’ll get the week right,” he said.

As for who will win the award, Ponga was backing Nathan Cleary.

“He’s probably deserved it over the last couple of years ... I think he’s a shoo-in,” he said.

Nine’s Zac Bailey has confirmed Nathan Cleary won’t be in the house for the Dally Ms.

He will be out of hospital though after being released earlier today.

Just days after confirming his romance with Mimi Bowell, Kalyn Ponga has really hard-launched this new relationship with a Dally Ms debut.

The Newcastle Knights captain wrapped his arm around his new partner as they posed for the cameras on arrival.

Ponga looked dapper in a classic black suit, paired with a smart bow-tie and matching flower on his lapel to match Bowell’s dress.

Meanwhile, Bowell looked lovely in a fitted white frock with a glamorous train and a matching white clutch.

The couple all but confirmed they were an item last week, when a video shared online of Ponga going in for a kiss with Bowell after the Knights game against the Warriors.

Goodbye (for now), footy kit. Hello, red carpet glamour!

The stars of the NRL and NRLW have assembled in Sydney for the 2026 Dally M Medal and to celebrate the end of another season – in serious style, to boot (pun intended). 

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Jai Arrow and his wife Berina Colakovic have arrived at the Dally Ms.

Arrow will be part of the pre-game ceremony for the grand final following the breakdown of a deal between Tones and I and the NRL.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported Arrow will do a lap of honour at the grand final with You’ll Never Walk Alone playing throughout Accor Stadium.

Arrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in pre-season and retired from the NRL. However, he came on to the field for South Sydney’s final two regular season matches to ensure he finished with 100 matches for the club.