what is dally m

The Dally M is a prestigious annual award in Australian rugby league, specifically within the National Rugby League (NRL). The main highlight is the Dally M Medal which is awarded to the player voted as the "Player of the Year" over the regular NRL season. The awards are named in honor of Herbert Henry "Dally" Messenger, who was a pioneering rugby league player in Australia. The Dally M Awards night is a major event in the NRL calendar, celebrating various outstanding performers of the premiership season including the best player, coach, rookie, and players in each position. The voting for the medal follows a 3-2-1 points system awarded by journalists or former players after each game, with votes kept secret after mid-season to maintain suspense until the awards ceremony. The Dally M Medal has been the official Player of the Year award since 1998, coinciding with the formation of the NRL.