Welcome to news.com.au’s coverage of the 2023 Dally M Medal.
Rugby league’s highest individual honour will be awarded on the NRL’s night of nights, with New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson the favourite to take out the top gong.
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He steered the Warriors to a top four finish in a resurgent season that ended in last weekend’s preliminary final loss to the Broncos.
Johnson is expected to face competition from the likes of Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary, Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga, who starred in Newcastle’s winning streak to finish the season.
Haas led the vote count before voting went behind closed doors after round 12.
The team of the year will also be announced, as well as the women’s Dally M medallist.
5.15pm – Voting change set to wreak havoc
The Dally M voting system has changed this year, with two independent judges handing out six points for each game on a 3-2-1 basis, rather than just one judge.
With six votes up for grabs per game, it means there could me more flucuation in the leaderboard and leaves the door open for a player like Kalyn Ponga to make a late charge for the medal.
Players suspended for two or more games are ineligible, ruling out Reece Walsh, Scott Drinkwater and Valentine Holmes.
HOW TO WATCH
The Dally M Medal takes place in Sydney on Wednesday night. Fans can watch the action on Kayo Sports — coverage of the red carpet begins from 6pm AEST before the ceremony starts at 8pm.
DALLY M LEADERBOARD (AFTER ROUND 12)
Payne Haas 30
Nathan Cleary 27
Harry Grant 25
Nicho Hynes 25
Reece Walsh 24
Latrell Mitchell 23
Ben Hunt 22
Cody Walker 22
Dylan Edwards 22
Shaun Johnson 22
NRL AWARDS AND NOMINEES
COACH: Kevin Walters (Broncos), Andrew Webster (Warriors), Ivan Cleary (Panthers)
CAPTAIN: Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
ROOKIE: Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), William Warbrick (Storm), Sunia Turuva (Panthers)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
FULLBACK: James Tedesco (Roosters), Dylan Edwards (Panthers), Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
WINGERS: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Brian To’o (Panthers), Dominic Young (Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
CENTRES: Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Bradman Best (Knights), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Izack Tago (Panthers)
FIVE-EIGHTH: Ezra Mam (Broncos), Cameron Munster (Storm), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
HALFBACK: Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
HOOKER: Wayde Egan (Warriors), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Harry Grant (Storm)
PROPS: Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Payne Haas (Broncos), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)
BACK ROWERS: Liam Martin (Panthers), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles), David Fifita (Titans), Hudson Young (Raiders)
LOCK: Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
Previous Dally M winners
2022 Nicho Hynes
2021 Tom Trbojevic
2020 Jack Wighton
2019 James Tedesco
2018 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2017 Cameron Smith
2016 Cooper Cronk and Jason Taumalolo
2015 Johnathan Thurston
2014 Jarryd Hayne and Johnathan Thurston
2013 Cooper Cronk
2012 Ben Barba