The time has arrived for what some consider to be rugby league’s night of nights to take the spotlight in lead up to the biggest match on the NRL’s yearly calendar.
The Dally M Medal is a much-discussed event, based on the often controversial nature of the selection process and sometimes confusing points system.
While the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) Player of the Year is often held in higher regard by the players based on the winner being selected by the players, the NRL backs the Dally M’s as the official award ceremony for the Telstra Premiership season.
While NRL players decide the RLPA Players Player, the media are the ones in charge of the Dally M Medalist.
I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises when it comes to the 2024 Team of the Year, but we’ve taken a crack at who we believe will be picked in the Dally M Team of the Year based on past decisions, some media bias, their form for 2024 and a sprinkle of ‘likeability’.
THE PREDICTED DALLY M 2024 TEAM OF THE YEAR
Fullback: Dylan Edwards
(Nominees: James Tedesco, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow)
Winger: Alofiana Khan-Pereira
(Nominees: Jacob Kiraz, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o, Will Warbrick)
Centre: Stephen Crichton
(Nominees: Herbie Farnworth, Valentine Holmes, Jesse Ramien, Kotoni Staggs)
Five-eighth: Matt Burton
(Nominees: Jarome Luai, Tom Dearden)
Halfback: Jahrome Hughes
(Nominees: Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt)
Hooker: Harry Grant
(Nominees: Blayke Brailey, Reece Robson)
Prop: Addin Fonua-Blake
(Nominees: James Fisher-Harris, Lindsay Collins, Moses Leota, Joseph Tapine)
Second row: Angus Crichton
(Nominees: Eliesa Katoa, Viliame Kikau, Jaydn Su’a, Hudson Young)
Lock: Patrick Carrigan
(Nominees: Reuben Cotter, Isaah Yeo)
Coach: Cameron Ciraldo
Captain: Isaah Yeo
Rookie: Jack Bostock
Provan-Summons Medal: Stephen Crichton
Dally M Medalist: Jahrome Hughes