Nathan Cleary has completed rugby league’s ultimate individual collection, securing his first Dally M Medal after dominating the voting at the NRL’s awards night.
The Penrith halfback was unable to attend the ceremony after suffering a serious ankle injury in the Panthers’ preliminary-final defeat, but still finished 14 points ahead of Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall.
Tamika Upton secured her third Dally M Medal as the NRLW player of the year, retaining the honour she won last season when the Brisbane fullback became the award’s first multiple recipient.
New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster was named NRL coach of the year after edging out Justin Holbrook, while Canberra halfback Ethan Sanders took out the rookie of the year award.
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Cleary, however, was the central figure of the evening. The Panthers star was discharged from hospital on Wednesday after undergoing emergency surgery on his injured ankle.
Widely regarded as the outstanding player of the decade, Cleary had been repeatedly denied the Dally M Medal because of injuries and suspensions.
Earlier this year, he claimed his first Wally Lewis Medal after answering his critics by guiding NSW to a 2-1 State of Origin series triumph.
Cleary also has two Clive Churchill Medals and four NRL premierships with Penrith, completing an extraordinary collection of rugby league honours.
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