2025 Dally M Awards: Winners, Controversies & What It Means for Rugby League

For NRL fans, the Dally M Medal is more than just a trophy — it’s a night where the game’s best are recognised, debated, and celebrated. In 2025, the awards night once again delivered drama, joy, and a few raised eyebrows. From James Tedesco’s commanding win to Tamika Upton edging out Julia Robinson in a nail-biter, the ceremony showed how individual brilliance and consistency shape the season’s legacy.

But beyond the glitz of the green carpet, the Dally M sparks bigger conversations: how players are judged, how coaches influence outcomes, and how the men’s and women’s games are evolving side by side. Let’s break down the 2025 awards, the winners, and the stories that matter most to Aussie footy fans.

1. Who Won the Dally M in 2025?

The big question on everyone’s lips: Who won the Dally M 2025?

• Men’s Winner: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) — his second Dally M Medal, won with a massive lead of more than 20 points.
• Women’s Winner: Tamika Upton (Brisbane Broncos) — edging out Julia Robinson in one of the tightest counts in recent memory.

These victories highlight two very different storylines: Tedesco’s dominance as a seasoned leader, and Upton’s rise as the face of the NRLW.

2. James Tedesco: Still the Benchmark

At 32, many wondered if Tedesco had peaked. Instead, he put together one of the most consistent seasons of his career.

• Why he won: He played every game, racking up man-of-the-match performances regularly. Without the distraction of Origin selection this year, he stayed locked in for the Roosters.
• What it means: With two Dally Ms, Tedesco is now in the same conversation as Johnathan Thurston, Andrew Johns, and Cooper Cronk. He’s not just a club legend — he’s entering all-time great territory.
• The bigger picture: His win also raises questions about Nathan Cleary’s “unlucky” streak. Many fans reckon Cleary’s workload in Origin and finals often costs him in the count.

3. Tamika Upton vs Julia Robinson: The Rivalry That Defines the NRLW

The NRLW race was far less straightforward. Upton and Robinson were neck-and-neck all season.

• The deciding factor: Robinson’s late-season benching by her coach meant she missed crucial opportunities to pick up points. Upton’s explosive attacking form, particularly her multi-try performances, gave her the edge.
• Why it matters: This wasn’t just about medals. It showed how coaching decisions can influence individual honours — sparking debate about whether the voting system should consider context.
• The legacy: Upton became the first woman to win two Dally M medals, cementing her as one of the most influential players in the women’s game.

4. Team of the Year 2025

Every Dally M night also crowns a Team of the Year, and 2025 had its share of surprises.

• Key inclusions: Nathan Cleary (halfback), Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton (centres), Xavier Coates (winger).
• Talking points: Many expected Harry Grant to feature at hooker, but he was overlooked — sparking chatter about whether his defensive workload was undervalued compared to flashier playmakers.
• Rising stars: Robert Toia (Rookie of the Year) and Shalom Sauaso (NRLW Rookie of the Year) earned spots on fans’ radars, reminding us the next generation is already knocking on the door.

5. Other Major Awards

The night wasn’t just about the medals. Other highlights included:

• Provan-Summons Medal (Spirit of the Game): Zac Lomax — recognised for fair play and sportsmanship.
• Coach of the Year: Ricky Stuart (Raiders) — praised for building consistency in Canberra.
• Try of the Year: Mark Nawaqanitawase — a breathtaking long-range effort that had commentators losing their voices.
• NRLW Veronica White Medal: Rhiannon Byers — awarded for community contribution and leadership.

6. The Night Itself: Glitz, Glam & NRL Gossip

The NRL Awards Night 2025 was held at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, with players, partners, and celebrities arriving on the green carpet.

• Media focus: Cameras flashed on James Tedesco and his wife as he arrived — a reminder that family and image now play a big role in footy culture.
• NRLW spotlight: Julia Robinson was a crowd favourite on the carpet, with fans calling her the “people’s winner” even if the medal slipped away.
• Big picture: The ceremony continues to grow in stature, with the women’s game enjoying equal spotlight alongside the men’s — something that would’ve been unthinkable just a decade ago.

7. Controversies & Talking Points

No Dally M Awards night is complete without a few heated debates:

• Harry Grant’s omission: Fans questioned why the Melbourne Storm hooker wasn’t in the Team of the Year despite strong numbers.
• Robinson vs Upton: Did coaching calls unfairly tip the balance? Some argue the voting system needs tweaks.
• Cleary vs Tedesco: Cleary’s brilliance in finals often doesn’t translate to Dally M votes — should the system give finals weight?

8. Why the Dally M Still Matters in 2025

Some critics argue the medal system doesn’t always reflect the “best” player in the comp. But here’s why it still matters:

• It celebrates consistency — week in, week out excellence, not just big-stage brilliance.
• It keeps the NRLW and NRL in the spotlight during the gap before finals.
• It fuels fan culture — debates, pub arguments, social media threads — that make rugby league more than just a game.
• It recognises the individuals who carry the game forward, inspiring the next generation of players.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Conclusion

The 2025 Dally M Awards reinforced why rugby league is Australia’s most talked-about winter sport. James Tedesco proved age is just a number, Tamika Upton cemented her NRLW legacy, and the ongoing debates around Harry Grant, Julia Robinson, and the voting system ensure that footy conversations won’t quiet down anytime soon.

For fans, the Dally M isn’t just about medals — it’s about passion, controversy, and celebrating the athletes who give everything on the paddock. And that’s what keeps us coming back every season.

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