Dally M Awards 2025: NRL, NRLW teams of the year revealed

Brisbane’s Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas won spots along with Melbourne’s Xavier Coates and Eliesa Katoa.

All four have played pivotal roles in their side’s surge into the sold-out decider at Accor Stadium.

Two Roosters players – James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase – were named along with two Canberra Raiders – Hudson Young and Ethan Strange – and two Sharks in Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey.

FULLBACK OF THE YEAR

Winner: James Tedesco (Roosters)

Nominees: James Tedesco, Kaeo Weekes, Reece Walsh.

Verdict: Clear winner who claimed the overall Dally M Medal in a canter. Was the competition’s most consistent player in arguably his best-ever season. Weekes and Walsh were worthy nominees.

WINGERS OF THE YEAR

Winners: Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters), Xavier Coates (Storm)

Nominees: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jacob Kiraz, Xavier Coates, Xavier Savage, Zac Lomax.

Verdict: A revelation this season, Nawaqanitawase was involved in some of the season’s most remarkable moments. A creative star. Coates is a genius under the high ball and is just about the best winger in rugby league. Will be the target for Jahrome Hughes’ kicking game in the grand final.

CENTRES OF THE YEAR

Winners: Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)

Nominees: Casey McLean, Herbie Farnworth, Kotoni Staggs, Rob Toia, Stephen Crichton.

Verdict: Staggs is a brute whose aggressive running style could prove inspirational in Sunday’s decider. An absolute powerhouse, Crichton is generally accepted as being the game’s finest centre. Both players are rampaging champions.

FIVE EIGHTH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ethan Strange (Raiders)

Nominees: Cameron Munster, Ethan Strange, Matt Burton.

Verdict: What a prospect, what a player. You could say Strange is a star of the future but he’s already a star. Wonderful running game which should just about earn him selection on the Kangaroo tour.

HALFBACK OF THE YEAR

Winner: Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

Nominees: Isaiya Katoa, Nathan Cleary, Jamal Fogarty.

Verdict: Another stellar season from the best halfback of his generation. Couldn’t quite ice a fifth successive title but Cleary inspired Penrith to a superb premiership defence.

PROPS OF THE YEAR

Winners: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Payne Haas (Broncos)

Nominees: Addin Fonua-Blake, Josh Papalii, Payne Haas, Stefano Utoikamanu, Terrell May.

Verdict: Haas is a machine. A once-in-a-generation player whose engine continues to stun rugby league. Haas is setting new standards for front-rowers. Fonua-Blake’s power and footwork probably have him just behind Haas as the game’s premier front-rower.

HOOKER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Blayke Brailey (Sharks)

Nominees: Api Koroisau, Blayke Brailey, Tom Starling.

Verdict: Brailey stepped up this year to become an elite hooker/dummy half. Significantly improved his running game and matured late in the season as Cronulla captain.

SECOND ROWERS OF THE YEAR

Winners: Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Hudson Young (Raiders)

Nominees: Angus Crichton, Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Young, Liam Martin, Leka Halasima.

Verdict: Young is an old-school. A regular NSW player now due to his strong edge running and try scoring capabilities. Katoa is the most improved forward in the NRL. Loves hitting an edge and is a threat under the high ball.

LOCK OF THE YEAR

Winner: Erin Clark (Warriors)

Nominees: Erin Clark, Isaah Yeo, Naufahu Whyte.

Verdict: Surprising selection given Yeo’s performances but still well deserved. Clark is in career-best form and is certainly an NRL buy-of-the-year contender.

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