Newcastle Knights have taken out Dally M double, with Kalyn Ponga winning the men’s Dally M Medal and Tamika Upton earning the women’s Medal. The two fullbacks capped an historic night for the Knights, with both men’s and women’s medals going to players from the same Club. Ponga became the first Knights men’s player to win the award since Danny Buderus in 2004 during a glittering ceremony at Winx Stand at Royal Randwick Racecourse. “This year both competitions came down to the final match of the final round to decide the finals line-ups,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said. “You cannot script that. “The game has never been stronger. “The players have never been fitter, faster and – we’re proud to say – more engaged in the community. We marvel at their brilliance on the field and the positive impact they have on communities. Tonight is recognition for them.” A Dally M Female Team of the Year was named alongside a Dally M Male Player of the Year during a fully integrated awards ceremony. Brisbane Broncos Grand Final skipper Adam Reynolds won Dally M Captain of the Year just days out from the Grand Final against Penrith Panthers. The Broncos also had four players in the Dally M Team of the Year – centre Herbie Farnworth, five-eighth Ezra Mam, prop Payne Haas and lock Pat Carrigan. The Panthers earned two positions in the Team of the Year – centre Stephen Crichton and second-rower Liam Martin – while Sunia Turuva was also crowned Rookie of the Year. Warriors mentor Andrew Webster won Coach of the Year honours, as reward for his Club’s stunning rise in 2023. 2022 Dally M winner Nicho Hynes won the Provan-Summons Medal, having also won the prestigious award last year. While Upton’s award gave the Minor Premiers Newcastle Knights a boost ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final, opponents Gold Coast Titans’ surge to the decider allowed Karyn Murphy to take out Coach of the Year honours. Expansion Club the Dolphins earned the Peter Frilingos Headline Moment Award for their first-up win over the Roosters, while winger Jamayne Isaako won a Dally M trifecta, winning Winger of the Year, the Ken Irvine Medal for top try-scorer, and the top point scorer awards. Source: NRL.Com