2025 Dally M Awards: James Tedesco and Tamika Upton Crowned Players of the Year
The 2025 Dally M Awards celebrated the best players and moments of the NRL and NRLW seasons, culminating in James Tedesco of the Sydney Roosters and Tamika Upton of the Brisbane Broncos claiming the coveted Dally M Medals. The glittering ceremony, held at Sydney's Royal Randwick racecourse, honored outstanding achievements across the sport.
James Tedesco's Triumphant Return
James Tedesco secured his second Dally M Medal, finishing a significant 22 points ahead of his nearest rival, Nathan Cleary. The Roosters fullback's stellar season saw him named both captain and fullback in the Dally M Team of the Year. Overcoming past criticism, Tedesco expressed pride in his achievement:
"I'm at a different point in my life, part of my career. I've had a lot of critics and doubters the last couple of years so to be back on this stage winning this medal is a proud achievement for myself."
Tamika Upton Dominates the NRLW
Tamika Upton claimed her second NRLW Dally M Medal, marking a triumphant return to the Brisbane Broncos. After leaving the Newcastle Knights, Upton showcased exceptional form, scoring 18 tries and leading the league in try assists and line-break assists. She finished with 35 points, ahead of teammate Julia Robinson (32 points) and Jesse Southwell (31 points). Upton's contributions have propelled the Broncos to the Grand Final.
Team of the Year and Other Award Winners
The Dally M Awards also recognized outstanding team performances and individual contributions. The NRL Team of the Year included standout players like Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, and Payne Haas, while Ricky Stuart was named Coach of the Year for leading the Canberra Raiders. In the NRLW, players such as Isabelle Kelly and Romy Teitzel were honored in the Team of the Year, with John Strange receiving the Coach of the Year award.
Key awards and winners include:
- NRL Rookie of the Year: Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
- NRLW Rookie of the Year: Shalom Sauaso (Brisbane Broncos)
- NRL Captain of the Year: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
- NRLW Captain of the Year: Isabelle Kelly (Sydney Roosters)
- Ken Stephen Medal: Kieran Foran
- Veronica White Medallist: Rhiannon Byers
- NRL Try of the Year: Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters)
- NRLW Try of the Year: Indie Bostock (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- NRL Tackle of the Year: Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
- NRLW Tackle of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti (Warriors)
2025 Dally M NRL Team of the Year
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Fullback | James Tedesco (c) |
| Wing | Mark Nawaqanitawase |
| Wing | Xavier Coates |
| Centre | Kotoni Staggs |
| Centre | Stephen Crichton |
| Five-Eighth | Ethan Strange |
| Halfback | Nathan Cleary |
| Hooker | Blayke Brailey |
| Prop | Addin Fonua-Blake |
| Prop | Payne Haas |
| Second Row | Eli Katoa |
| Second Row | Hudson Young |
| Lock | Erin Clark |
2025 Dally M NRLW Team of the Year
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Fullback | Tamika Upton |
| Wing | Payton Takimoana |
| Wing | Sheridan Gallagher |
| Centre | Isabelle Kelly (c) |
| Centre | Julia Robinson |
| Five-Eighth | Gayle Broughton |
| Halfback | Jesse Southwell |
| Hooker | Emma Manzelmann |
| Prop | Ellie Johnston |
| Prop | Jessika Elliston |
| Second Row | Romy Teitzel |
| Second Row | Yasmin Clydsdale |
| Lock | Olivia Kernick |
Dally M Leaderboard
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| James Tedesco | 67 |
| Nathan Cleary | 45 |
| Isaiya Katoa | 44 |
| Payne Haas | 44 |
| Blayke Brailey | 42 |
| Tom Dearden | 42 |
| Reece Walsh | 41 |
| Luke Metcalf | 40 |
| Daly Cherry-Evans | 39 |
| Will Kennedy | 37 |
NRLW Dally M Leaderboard
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Tamika Upton | 35 |
| Julia Robinson | 32 |
| Jesse Southwell | 31 |
| Isabelle Kelly | 29 |
| Rachael Pearson | 24 |
| Jakiya Whitfeld | 22 |
| Yasmin Clydsdale | 21 |
| Emma Verran | 20 |
| Tarryn Aiken | 18 |
| Olivia Kernick | 17 |
The Road to the Dally M Medals
The journey to the Dally M Awards involved consistent performances throughout the season. While James Tedesco and Tamika Upton ultimately triumphed, players like William Kennedy, Isaiya Katoa, and Payne Haas presented strong challenges, showcasing the depth of talent in the NRL and NRLW.
The event was a resounding success, highlighting the achievements of rugby league's elite and building anticipation for the upcoming Grand Final.
