Dally M Award Winners

The Dally M Awards Ceremony is Australian rugby league’s most prestigious event. The Dally Ms were created by News Limited in 1980 and became Australian rugby league’s official awards in 1998.

The Dally M Medal is awarded to the National Rugby League’s best and fairest player. Points (3-2-1) are awarded by a panel of journalists after each round of the NRL competition and the player with the highest number of points at the end of the season is judged the winner.

1980 Dally M Award Winners

1980 Dally M Medal: Robert Laurie (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Robert ‘Rocky’ Laurie only had three years at South Sydney, but he produced a wonderful season in 1980 to claim the Dally M Medal.

1980 Team of the Year

Fullback: Brian Johnson (St George Dragons)
Winger: John Ribot (Western Suburbs Magpies)
Centre: Michael Cronin (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Robert Laurie (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Halfback: Kevin Hastings (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Lock: Jim Leis (Western Suburbs Magpies)
Second row: Nathan Gibbs (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Prop: Craig Young (St George Dragons)
Hooker: John Lang (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Coach: Roy Masters (Western Suburbs Magpies)

1981 Dally M Award Winners

1981 Dally M Medal: Steve Rogers (Cronulla Sharks)

Dubbed ‘The Prince of Centres’, Steve Rogers was arguably Cronulla’s finest ever player. Despite playing out-of-position at lock during 1981, Rogers produced an incredible year and was rewarded with the Dally M.

1981 Team of the Year

Fullback: Greg Brentnall (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Winger: Terry Fahey (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Centre: Michael Cronin (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Mick Pattison (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Halfback: Kevin Hastings (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Lock: Steve Rogers (Cronulla Sharks)
Second row: Mark Graham (North Sydney Bears)
Prop: Dane Sorensen (Cronulla Sharks)
Hooker: Jeff Masterman (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Coach: Bob Fulton (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)

1982 Dally M Award Winners

1982 Dally M Medal: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)

Legendary workhorse Ray Price was awarded the 1982 Dally M Medal after an outstanding season with the premiership-winning Parramatta Eels.

1982 Team of the Year

Fullback: Greg Brentnall (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Winger: John Ribot (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Centre: Michael Cronin (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Mitchell Cox (North Sydney Bears)
Halfback: Kevin Hastings (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Lock: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Mark Graham (North Sydney Bears)
Prop: Don McKinnon (North Sydney Bears)
Hooker: John Gray (North Sydney Bears)
Coach: Jack Gibson (Parramatta Eels)

1983 Dally M Award Winners

1983 Dally M Medal: Terry Lamb (Western Suburbs Magpies)

Despite Western Suburbs finishing last on the competition table, five-eighth Terry Lamb’s consistent excellence saw him secure the 1983 Dally M Medal.

1983 Team of the Year

Fullback: Graham Eadie (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Winger: Kerry Boustead (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Centre: Michael Cronin (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Western Suburbs Magpies)
Halfback: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)
Lock: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Paul Vautin (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Dave Brown (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Hooker: Billy Johnstone (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Bob Fulton (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)

1984 Dally M Award Winners

1984 Dally M Medal: Michael Potter (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

Fullback Michael Potter was in only his second season of first grade when he was awarded the 1984 Dally M Medal. Potter was a key member of the Bulldogs’ 1984 premiership winning outfit.

1984 Team of the Year

Fullback: Michael Potter (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Winger: Steve Morris (St George Dragons)
Centre: Steve Ella (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)
Lock: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Noel Cleal (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Steve Roach (Balmain Tigers)
Hooker: Royce Simmons (Penrith Panthers)
Coach: Tim Sheens (Penrith Panthers)

1985 Dally M Award Winners

1985 Dally M Medal: Greg Alexander (Penrith Panthers)

Like Potter before him, Greg Alexander earned the 1985 Dally M Medal in just his second year of first grade rugby league. Alexander broke Penrith’s point-scoring record in ’85 and was one of the most exciting players in the competition.

1985 Team of the Year

Fullback: Garry Jack (Balmain Tigers)
Winger: John Ferguson (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Centre: Steve Ella (Parramatta Eels)
Five-eighth: Neil Baker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Halfback: Greg Alexander (Penrith Panthers)
Lock: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Peter Wynn (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Craig Young (St George Dragons)
Hooker: Ben Elias (Balmain Tigers)
Coach: Roy Masters (St George Dragons)

1986 Dally M Award Winners

1986 Dally M Medal: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)

Peter Sterling was arguably the most influential player of the 1980s, steering Parramatta to five grand finals. He was at his scheming best in 1986, taking the Eels to their fourth title and earning the Dally M Medal as Player of the Year.

1986 Team of the Year

Fullback: Garry Jack (Balmain Tigers)
Winger: Steve Morris (St George Dragons)
Centre: Michael O’Connor (St George Dragons)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)
Lock: Ray Price (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Noel Cleal (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Steve Roach (Balmain Tigers)
Hooker: Mal Cochrane (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: George Piggins (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

1987 Dally M Award Winners

1987 Dally M Medal: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)

Parramatta Eels maestro Peter Sterling became the first player to win the Dally M Medal twice, taking out the award in back-to-back seasons.

1987 Team of the Year

Fullback: Gary Belcher (Canberra Raiders)
Winger: Steve Morris (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Centre: Michael O’Connor (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Peter Sterling (Parramatta Eels)
Lock: Wayne Pearce (Balmain Tigers)
Second row: Hugh McGahan (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Prop: Ian Roberts (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Hooker: Mal Cochrane (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: Wayne Bennett and Don Furner (Canberra Raiders)

1988 Dally M Award Winners

1988 Dally M Medal: Gavin Miller (Cronulla Sharks)

Gavin Miller became the second Cronulla player to win the Dally M Medal. The skillful backrower had a standout year, leading the Sharks to the minor premiership.

1988 Team of the Year

Fullback: Garry Jack (Balmain Tigers)
Winger: John Ferguson (Canberra Raiders)
Centre: Michael O’Connor (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Wally Lewis (Brisbane Broncos)
Halfback: Allan Langer (Brisbane Broncos)
Lock: Wayne Pearce (Balmain Tigers)
Second row: Gavin Miller (Cronulla Sharks)
Prop: Sam Backo (Canberra Raiders)
Hooker: Ben Elias (Balmain Tigers)
Coach: Phil Gould (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

1989 Dally M Award Winners

1989 Dally M Medal: Gavin Miller (Cronulla Sharks)

Gavin Miller produced another spectacular year in 1989 to claim back-to-back Dally M Medals. He was also awarded the Rothman’s Medal and named as Rugby League Week’s Player of the Year.

1989 Team of the Year

Fullback: Gary Belcher (Canberra Raiders)
Winger: Michael Hancock (Brisbane Broncos)
Centre: Tony Currie (Brisbane Broncos)
Five-eighth: Phil Blake (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Halfback: Greg Alexander (Penrith Panthers)
Lock: Bradley Clyde (Canberra Raiders)
Second row: Gavin Miller (Cronulla Sharks)
Prop: Steve Roach (Balmain Tigers)
Hooker: Kerrod Walters (Brisbane Broncos)
Coach: George Piggins (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

1990 Dally M Award Winners

1990 Dally M Medal: Cliff Lyons (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)

1990 was a watershed season for talented Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons. His dynamic performances for the Sea Eagles saw him awarded the Dally M Medal and he made his debut for the Australian Kangaroos at the age of 29.

1990 Team of the Year

Fullback: Gary Belcher (Canberra Raiders)
Winger: Ashley Gordon (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Mal Meninga (Canberra Raiders)
Five-eighth: Cliff Lyons (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Halfback: Ricky Stuart (Canberra Raiders)
Lock: Bradley Clyde (Canberra Raiders)
Second row: Paul Sironen (Balmain Tigers)
Prop: Martin Bella (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Hooker: Kerrod Walters (Brisbane Broncos)
Captain: Gene Miles (Brisbane Broncos)
Coach: Tim Sheens (Canberra Raiders)

1991 Dally M Award Winners

1991 Dally M Medal: Michael Potter (St George Dragons)

Michael Potter claimed his second Dally M crown while playing for the St George Dragons in 1991. Potter’s memorable season saw him become the first player to win the prestigious award at two different clubs.

1991 Team of the Year

Fullback: Michael Potter (St George Dragons)
Winger: Rod Wishart (Illawarra Steelers)
Centre: Mal Meninga (Canberra Raiders)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Greg Alexander (Penrith Panthers)
Lock: Des Hasler (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Second row: John Cartwright (Penrith Panthers)
Prop: Craig Salvatori (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Hooker: Steve Walters (Canberra Raiders)
Coach: Warren Ryan (Western Suburbs Magpies)

1992 Dally M Award Winners

1992 Dally M Medal: Gary Freeman (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)

Halfback Gary Freeman delivered a magical season for the Roosters in 1992 and became the first Kiwi to win the Dally M Medal. Freeman was one of the great halfbacks of the era and is considered one of New Zealand’s greatest rugby league players.

1992 Team of the Year

Fullback: Michael Potter (St George Dragons)
Winger: Willie Carne (Brisbane Broncos)
Centre: Brad Fittler (Penrith Panthers)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Gary Freeman (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Lock: Ian Russell (Illawarra Steelers)
Second row: John Cartwright (Penrith Panthers)
Prop: Glenn Lazarus (Brisbane Broncos)
Hooker: Ben Elias (Balmain Tigers)
Captain: Michael Beattie (St George Dragons)
Coach: Graham Murray (Illawarra Steelers)
Rookie: Matthew Rodwell (Newcastle Knights)

1993 Dally M Award Winners

1993 Dally M Medal: Ricky Stuart (Canberra Raiders)

One of the most skillful rugby league players of all time, Ricky Stuart was in his prime in 1993 and conjured arguably his finest season. Sadly, Stuart broke his ankle late in the year and was unable to play in the finals series. His only consolation was receiving both the Dally M and Rothman’s Medals.

1993 Team of the Year

Fullback: Rod Silva (Eastern Suburbs Roosters)
Wing: Noa Nadruku (Canberra Raiders)
Centre: Brad Fittler (Penrith Panthers)
Five-eighth: Terry Lamb (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Ricky Stuart (Canberra Raiders)
Prop: Ian Roberts (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Hooker: Steve Walters (Canberra Raiders)
Second row: Bob Lindner (Illawarra)
Lock: Jim Dymock (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Captain: Michael Potter (St George Dragons)
Coach: Chris Anderson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Rookie: Jack Elsegood (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Representative player: Paul Sironen (City Origin, NSW and Australia)

1994 Dally M Award Winners

1994 Dally M Medal: Cliff Lyons (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)

Cliff Lyons took out his second Dally M Medal in 1994 at the age of 33 after another sensational season. He was also named Rugby League Week’s Player of the Year. Lyons struck up a wonderful partnership with Rookie of the Year Steve Menzies.

1994 Team of the Year

Fullback: Brett Mullins (Canberra Raiders)
Wing: Daryl Halligan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Centre: Andrew Ettingshausen (Cronulla Sharks)
Five-eighth: Cliff Lyons (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Halfback: Allan Langer (Brisbane Broncos)
Prop: Ian Roberts (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Hooker: Jim Serdaris (Western Suburbs Magpies)
Second row: Steve Menzies (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Lock: Brad Fittler (Penrith Panthers)
Captain: Mal Meninga (Canberra Raiders)
Coach: Peter Louis (North Sydney Bears)
Rookie: Steve Menzies (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Representative player: Ben Elias (NSW)

1995 Dally M Award Winners

1995 Dally M Medal: Laurie Daley (Canberra Raiders)

After injuries disrupted his 1994 campaign, Laurie Daley bounced back to his best in 1995 to take out the Dally M Medal and Rugby League Week’s Player of the Year.

1995 Team of the Year

Fullback: Matthew Ridge (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Winger: Sean Hoppe (Auckland Warriors)
Centre: Jamie Ainscough (Newcastle Knights)
Five-eighth: Laurie Daley (Canberra Raiders)
Halfback: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)
Lock: Jim Dymock (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Second row: Steven Menzies (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Danny Lee (Cronulla Sharks)
Hooker: Steve Walters (Canberra Raiders)
Captain: Paul Langmack (Western Suburbs Magpies)
Coach: John Lang (Cronulla Sharks)
Rookie: Mat Rogers (Cronulla Sharks)

1996 Dally M Award Winners

1996 Dally M Medal: Allan Langer (Brisbane Broncos)

Team of the ’90s halfback Allan Langer was at his sublime best in 1996, taking out the Dally M and Rugby League Week’s Player of the Year.

1996 Team of the Year

Fullback: Tim Brasher (Balmain Tigers)
Winger: Noa Nadruku (Canberra Raiders)
Centre: Andrew Ettingshausen (Cronulla Sharks)
Five-eighth: Laurie Daley (Canberra Raiders)
Halfback: Allan Langer (Brisbane Broncos)
Lock: Jim Dymock (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Second row: David Fairleigh (North Sydney Bears)
Prop: Paul Harragon (Newcastle Knights)
Hooker: Jim Serdaris (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Captain: Laurie Daley (Canberra Raiders)
Coach: David Waite (St George Dragons)
Rookie: Glenn Morrison (Balmain Tigers)

1997 Dally M Award Winners

The Dally Ms were not held in 1997 due to the split competitions (ARL and Super League). Brad Fittler and Laurie Daley won their competition’s respective awards for player of the year.

Provan-Summons Medal: Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters)
Super League Player of the Year: Laurie Daley (Canberra Raiders)

1998 Dally M Award Winners

1998 Dally M Medal: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)

After steering the Newcastle Knights to the 1997 ARL premiership, halfback Andrew Johns confirmed himself as one of the game’s best players with a brilliant individual season in 1998.

1998 Team of the Year

Fullback: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Winger: Marcus Bai (Melbourne Storm)
Centre: Darren Smith (Brisbane Broncos)
Five-eighth: Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters)
Halfback: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)
Lock: Tawera Nikau (Melbourne Storm)
Second row: Steven Menzies (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Dean Pay (Parramatta Eels)
Hooker: Jason Hetherington (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Chris Anderson (Melbourne Storm)
Rookie: Mark McLinden (Canberra Raiders)

1999 Dally M Award Winners

1999 Dally M Medal: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)

Andrew Johns delivered another stellar NRL season in 1999 to claim back-to-back Dally M Medals.

1999 Team of the Year

Fullback: David Peachey (Cronulla Sharks)
Winger: Nathan Blacklock (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Centre: Ryan Girdler (Penrith Panthers)
Five-eighth: Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters)
Halfback: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)
Lock: Jason Smith (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Gorden Tallis (Brisbane Broncos)
Prop: Matt Parsons (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Hooker: Geoff Toovey (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: John Lang (Cronulla Sharks)
Rookie: Michael Vella (Parramatta Eels)

2000 Dally M Award Winners

2000 Dally M Medal: Trent Barrett (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Following the unceremonious departure of teammate Anthony Mundine, St George Illawarra play-maker Trent Barrett moved into his preferred pivot position and had a breakthrough season to claim the Dally M Medal award.

2000 Team of the Year

Fullback: David Peachey (Cronulla Sharks)
Winger: Nathan Blacklock (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Centre: Ryan Girdler (Penrith Panthers)
Five-eighth: Trent Barrett (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Halfback: Brett Kimmorley (Melbourne Storm)
Lock: Jason Croker (Canberra Raiders)
Second row: Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Shane Webcke (Brisbane Broncos)
Hooker: Craig Gower (Penrith Panthers)
Coach: Wayne Bennett (Brisbane Broncos)
Rookie: Tasesa Lavea (Melbourne Storm)

2001 Dally M Award Winners

2001 Dally M Medal: Preston Campbell (Cronulla Sharks)

Preston Campbell was awarded player of the year in 2001 after an incredible season with the Cronulla Sharks. Campbell was initially brought into the first grade side to replace injured star David Peachey at fullback. Upon Peachey’s return, Campbell was thrust into the number seven jumper and set the competition alight with his dazzling footwork and blinding acceleration. Campbell was unlucky to miss out on representative selection and is considered one of the best players to never play State of Origin.

2001 Team of the Year

Fullback: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Winger: Nathan Blacklock (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Centre: Nigel Vagana (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Five-eighth: Adam Dykes (Cronulla Sharks)
Halfback: Preston Campbell (Cronulla Sharks)
Lock: Daniel Wagon (Parramatta Eels)
Second row: Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Shane Webcke (Brisbane Broncos)
Hooker: Brad Drew (Parramatta Eels)
Captain: David Peachey (Cronulla Sharks)
Coach: Brian Smith (Parramatta Eels)
Rookie: Braith Anasta (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Representative Player: Darren Lockyer (Queensland & Australia)

2002 Dally M Award Winners

2002 Dally M Medal: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)

Knights’ legend Andrew Johns became the first player to win the Dally M Medal on three occasions.

2002 Team of the Year

Fullback: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Winger: Lote Tuqiri (Brisbane Broncos)
Centre: Nigel Vagana (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Five-eighth: Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters)
Halfback: Andrew Johns (Newcastle Knights)
Lock: Steve Menzies (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Second row: Ali Lauiti’iti (Warriors)
Prop: Shane Webcke (Brisbane Broncos)
Hooker: Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights)
Captain: Steve Price (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Daniel Anderson (Warriors)
Rookie: Matt Utai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Representative Player: Danny Buderus (NSW & Australia)

2003 Dally M Award Winners

The 2003 Dally M Awards did not proceed due to a dispute between the Rugby League Player’s Association and the National Rugby League. It is widely believed that Penrith Panthers halfback Craig Gower would have received the Dally M Medal had the awards proceeded. Gower was awarded the Rugby League Player’s Association Award.

2004 Dally M Award Winners

2004 Dally M Medal: Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights)

Knights hero Danny Buderus was inspirational for the Newcastle Knights in one of their toughest seasons. Buderus became the first hooker to take out the prestigious Player of the Year award, edging out halfbacks Brett Finch, Craig Gower and Matt Orford for the title.

2004 Team of the Year

Fullback: Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
Winger: Amos Roberts (Penrith Panthers)
Centre: Willie Tonga (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Five-eighth: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Halfback: Brett Finch (Sydney Roosters)
Lock: Shaun Timmins (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Second row: Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Paul Rauhihi (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hooker: Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights)
Captain: Steve Price (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Steve Folkes (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Rookie: Karmichael Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)
Representative Player: Craig Fitzgibbon (NSW & Australia)

2005 Dally M Award Winners

2005 Dally M Medal: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)

2005 was a breakthrough season for halfback Johnathan Thurston, leading the Cowboys to their maiden grand final appearance. Although the Cowboys lost the decider to a exuberant Wests Tigers, Thurston stamped himself as genuine play-making star.

2005 Team of the Year

Fullback: Brett Hodgson (Wests Tigers)
Winger: Eric Grothe (Parramatta Eels)
Centre: Mark Gasnier (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Five-eighth: Braith Anasta (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Halfback: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Lock: Ben Kennedy (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Second row: Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Luke Bailey (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Hooker: Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights)
Captain: Scott Prince (Wests Tigers)
Coach: Tim Sheens (Wests Tigers)
Rookie: Tim Smith (Parramatta Eels)
Representative Player: Andrew Johns (NSW & Australia)

2006 Dally M Award Winners

2006 Dally M Medal: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)

Cameron Smith assumed the mantle of the game’s best hooker, taking over from Knights’ star Danny Buderus, and became the first Melbourne player to win the prestigious award. Smith captained the Storm to the 2006 Grand Final, which signalled the start of the club’s dynasty.

2006 Team of the Year

Fullback: Clinton Schifcofske (Canberra Raiders)
Winger: Brian Carney (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Mark Gasnier (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Five-eighth: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Halfback: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
Lock: Ben Kennedy (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Second row: Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Prop: Roy Asotasi (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Captain: Ben Kennedy (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm)
Rookie: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Representative Player: Darren Lockyer (Queensland & Australia)

2007 Dally M Award Winners

2007 Dally M Medal: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)

Johnathan Thurston produced another stand-out year for the Cowboys in 2007 to claim his second gong.

2007 Team of the Year

Fullback: Matt Bowen (North Queensland Cowboys)
Winger: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Centre: Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos)
Five-eighth: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
Halfback: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Lock: Dallas Johnson (Melbourne Storm)
Second row: Anthony Watmough (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Steve Price (New Zealand Warriors)
Hooker: Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
Captain: Steve Price (Warriors)
Coach: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm)
Representative player: Cameron Smith (Queensland and Australia)
Rookie: Israel Folau (Melbourne Storm)

2008 Dally M Award Winners

2008 Dally M Medal: Matt Orford (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)

Matt Orford was at the peak of his powers in 2008 and captained a talented Manly outfit to premiership glory. Orford conjured a wonderful season to claim Player of the Year honours. The Sea Eagles took out the ’08 competition with a comprehensive 40-0 demolition of the Melbourne Storm in the grand final. Orford’s Dally M win ranks him among the best players to never play State of Origin.

2008 Team of the Year

Fullback: Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
Winger: Colin Best (Canberra Raiders)
Centre: Israel Folau (Melbourne Storm)
Five-eighth: Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm)
Halfback: Matt Orford (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Lock: Alan Tongue (Canberra Raiders)
Second row: Glenn Stewart (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Captain: Alan Tongue (Canberra Raiders)
Coach: Neil Henry (Canberra Raiders)
Rookie: Chris Sandow (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Representative player: Greg Inglis (Queensland and Australia)

2009 Dally M Award Winners

2009 Dally M Medal: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)

Few would dispute that Jarryd Hayne’s 2009 was one of the most incredible individual seasons in history. In the latter stages of the NRL competition, Hayne produced an unbelievable eight consecutive man-of-match displays to propel Parramatta into the grand final. Unfortunately, the Eels were pipped in the decider by the Melbourne Storm (who were later stripped of the title due to salary cap breaches), but Hayne’s remarkable performance will not be soon forgotten.

2009 Team of the Year

Fullback: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Winger: Taniela Tuiaki (Wests Tigers)
Centre: Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Five-eighth: Jamie Soward (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Halfback: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Lock: David Stagg (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Second row: Anthony Watmough (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Prop: Ben Hannant (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker: Michael Ennis (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Captain: Andrew Ryan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Coach: Kevin Moore (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Rookie: Jamal Idris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Representative player: Greg Inglis (Queensland and Australia)

2010 Dally M Award Winners

2010 Dally M Medal: Todd Carney (Sydney Roosters)

After a tumultuous few years where he was sacked by Canberra Raiders and de-registered by the NRL, Todd Carney returned in search of redemption in 2010 and he produced the brilliant football that everyone knew he was capable of, helping the Sydney Roosters to the NRL grand final. He appeared set to fulfill his enormous potential as a rugby league superstar, but, sadly, the indiscretions continued and Carney was ejected from the NRL in 2014.

2010 Team of the Year

Fullback: Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Winger: Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Todd Carney (Sydney Roosters)
Halfback: Scott Prince (Gold Coast Titans)
Lock: Luke Lewis (Penrith Panthers)
Second row: Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
Prop: David Shillington (Canberra Raiders)
Hooker: Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
Captain: Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters)
Coach: Brian Smith (Sydney Roosters)
Rookie: Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos)
Representative player: Billy Slater (Queensland and Australia)

2011 Dally M Award Winners

2011 Dally M Medal: Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)

Melbourne fullback Billy Slater was at hist electric best in 2011, helping propel the Storm to the minor premiership. He edged out Benji Marshall and teammate Cooper Cronk for the top honour.

2011 Team of the Year

Fullback: Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
Winger: Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers)
Halfback: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
Lock: Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Second row: Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
Prop: Matt Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Captain: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Coach: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm)
Rookie: Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Representative player: Cameron Smith (Queensland and Australia)

2012 Dally M Award Winners

2012 Dally M Medal: Ben Barba (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba produced one of the most scintillating rugby league seasons of the modern era to claim the 2012 Dally M Medal. Barba was the catalyst for the Bulldogs’ charge into the NRL grand final, which they lost to the Melbourne Storm. The fleet-footed fullback was the season’s leading try-scorer, crossing the stripe on 22 occasions.

2012 Team of the Year

Fullback: Ben Barba (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Winger: Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Halfback: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
Lock: Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Second row: Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans)
Prop: Sam Kasiano (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Captain: Jamie Lyon and Jason King (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: Des Hasler (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Rookie: Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Representative player: Nate Myles (Queensland)

2013 Dally M Award Winners

2013 Dally M Medal: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)

Storm halfback Cooper Cronk confirmed his place among rugby league’s elite players by claiming his first Dally M. Cronk kept halves trio Todd Carney, Daly Cherry-Evans & Johnathan Thurston at bay to secure the award.

2013 Team of the Year

Fullback: Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Winger: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys) and Todd Carney (Cronulla Sharks)
Halfback: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
Lock: Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos)
Second row: Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
Prop: Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Captain: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Coach: Trent Robinson (Sydney Roosters)
Rookie: George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Representative player: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)

2014 Dally M Award Winners

2014 Dally M Medal: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels) and Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)

In an unprecedented event, Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne and North Queensland play-maker Johnathan Thurston were crowned joint winners of the 2014 Dally M Medal. Hayne was at his devastating best, scoring 20 tries for the Eels, while Thurston continued his outstanding form to equal Andrew Johns’ record of three Dally M Medals.

2014 Team of the Year

Fullback: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Winger: Semi Radradra (Parramatta Eels)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Lock: Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Second row: Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights)
Prop: James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker: James Segeyaro (Penrith Panthers Panthers)
Captain: Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach: Ivan Cleary (Penrith Panthers Panthers)
Rookie: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)
Representative player: Jarryd Hayne (NSW & Australia)

2015 Dally M Award Winners

2015 Dally M Medal: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)

Cowboys wizard Johnathan Thurston took a huge step towards rugby league immortality in 2015. The brilliant no.7 led North Queensland to their first premiership and claimed his fourth Dally M in the process – the only player in history to achieve this feat.

2015 Team of the Year

Fullback: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters)
Winger: Semi Radradra (Parramatta Eels)
Centre: James Roberts (Gold Coast Titans)
Five-eighth: Blake Austin (Canberra Raiders)
Halfback: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Lock: Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
Second row: Josh Jackson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Prop: Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
Hooker: Michael Ennis (Cronulla Sharks)
Captain: Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
Coach: Wayne Bennett (Brisbane Broncos)
Rookie: Jack Bird (Cronulla Sharks)
Representative player: Corey Parker (QLD & Australia)

2016 Dally M Award Winners

2016 Dally M Medal: Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys) & Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)

Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk and North Queensland tyro Jason Taumalolo shared the honours in 2016. Cronk steered the Storm to another Grand Final appearance, while Taumalolo fulfilled his enormous potential and stamped himself as one of the premier forwards in the world. Cronk also claimed the Golden Boot Award.