Arabic version: كلييري يُكمل مجموعة تكريمات دالي إم

According to ABC News, Nathan Cleary won the first Dally M medal of his career on Wednesday night, adding the NRL’s major individual honour to an already extensive list of achievements. The Penrith halfback, 28, has won four straight premierships, appeared in five grand finals and collected two Clive Churchill Medals.

Cleary’s 2026 season included career-best figures of 29 try assists, 14 line breaks and 62 tackle busts. He also led the league in goal-kicking percentage among full-time kickers as Penrith secured the minor premiership.

At representative level, Cleary helped New South Wales win this year’s series, becoming the third player after Cameron Smith and Wally Lewis to receive two man-of-the-match awards in one series. He also claimed his first player of the series award after helping the Blues win the Lang Park decider. Australia has won all eight matches Cleary has played for the Kangaroos.

The Dally M was the final major individual award missing from Cleary’s record. ABC News noted that the medal does not determine a player’s standing alone, citing Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Allan Langer and Benji Marshall as leading players who never won the award.

Cleary’s award came as he recovers from a compound ankle fracture suffered following a hip drop tackle by Phoenix Crossland during Penrith’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle. His next steps after the injury remain uncertain, but the Dally M has added another honour to a career already marked by sustained club and representative success.