Couch-bound Cleary accepts Dally M through video, Upton creates NRLW history
Nathan Cleary has claimed his maiden Dally M Medal, accepting the NRL’s highest individual honour via video link from the comfort of his living room couch.
The Penrith star couldn’t be in attendance for the awards night as he had surgery on his fractured foot after the Panthers’ loss to the Knights in Sunday’s preliminary final.
Nathan Cleary accepts his award via video. Fox
In his virtual address to the crowd, Cleary delivered a heartfelt message, with his dad Ivan Cleary in the crowd holding back tears as his son gave his acceptance speech.
“I want to start off by saying how grateful I am for everyone’s support over the last few days with the injury that happened ... I can’t thank everyone enough for the messages,” Cleary said.
He then thanked his parents and family.
“They’ve done everything for me and sacrificed so much ... now in my older years this whole year I’ve been living with them because my house is getting fixed,” he revealed.
“They’ve looked after me and I can’t thank them enough. I want to say thank you to my partner (Mary Fowler) as well, it’s tough doing long distance but she always makes me feel supported and loved and that’s all I could ever support. She’s just amazing.”
Brisbane Broncos’ superstar Tamika Upton created NRLW history with a third Dally M medal, with this one her second in a row.
“It feels pretty crazy accepting this individual award in a team sport, so I couldn't do this without my teammates," Upton said.
“Got some incredible ones sitting in the room tonight, but a lot of which will be back home watching.
“I'm surrounded by some of the best people and like I said before, they always push you to be your best on the field, but off the field as well, and that's what makes our club so special.
“Like I said, I play footy for fun, but I’m hoping I make a few people proud along the way.”
The ceremony also featured plenty of memorable and lighthearted moments as Tigers captain Kezie Apps was spotted on the broadcast cheekily flipping off her teammates while accepting the NRLW captain of the year award, with Warriors captain James Fisher-Harris taking home the NRL equivalent.
In the coaching ranks, Gold Coast Titans boss Karyn Murphy was named NRLW coach of the year, while Warriors mentor Andrew Webster picked up the NRL honour.
Off-field contributions were also celebrated, with Millie Elliott handed the Veronica White Medal, which recognises the outstanding impact of female rugby league players in their local communities.
Campbell Graham received the Ken Stephen Medal for his own community efforts.
During his acceptance, Graham shared his credit, praising former player Jai Arrow for first introducing him to volunteer work with the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Tamika Upton wins her third Dally M. Fox
Arrow was celebrated during the night with a heartfelt dedication during the event and won two awards, the Peter Frilingos headline moment of the year and the Provan-Summons Medal, for exemplifying the spirit of the game.
Ethan Sanders took out the NRL rookie of the year award and Newcastle’s Mercedez Taulelei-Siala was awarded the NRLW award.
