Dally M awards 2026 live: NRL and NRLW stars take to the red carpet – as Nathan Cleary is tipped to win footy’s top honour from his hospital bed ‣ Diverse Daily

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Updated: 09:58 BST, 30 September 2026

The NRL’s brightest stars are gathering in Sydney for the rugby league’s biggest awards night.

The awards ceremony is set to start at 6.30pm, hosted at The Cutaway in Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour.

Follow here for Daily Mail’s LIVE coverage of the event.

Key Updates

Kayln Ponga and new girlfriend Mimi Bowell dazzle

Newcastle Knights captain Kayln Ponga has arrived with his partner Mimi Bowell.

The pair went public their relationship earlier this month, sharing a kiss on the sidelines after Newcastle’s win in Auckland.

It’s been a good month for Ponga, with his relationship going strong and earning a place in the grand final against the Roosters this weekend.

Bowell is an Adelaide-based swimwear founder and model.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kalyn Ponga of the Newcastle Knights and Mimi Bowell arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Jai Arrow and wife Berina Colakovic arrive

Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow and his wife Berina Colakovic are both beaming as they arrived for the award.

The pair got engaged in Italy in 2024 and married in July this year.

They share a daughter, Ayla.

Arrow played his 100th and farewell game for Bunnies on September 4th – a bittersweet affair following his MND diagnosis earlier this year.

Clearly emotional, Arrow thanked fans and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Jai Arrow of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Berina Colakovic arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

What happens if Penrith star Nathan Cleary wins?

Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary has been named a favourite to win this year’s Dally M Medal, the NRL’s highest honour.

However, Cleary remains stuck in a hospital bed after suffering a double compound fracture in his left leg.

He was dealt the injury from a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland, who was banned from four games as punishment.

It’s understood Cleary will appear live on camera from his hospital bed if he wins the medal on Wednesday night, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Other options floated were a pre-recorded speech from Cleary or Panthers coach Ivan Cleary accepting the award on his son’s behalf.

READ MORE about Cleary’s injury below.

Newcastle Knights make red carpet appearance ahead of Sunday’s grand final

Coach Justin Hollbrook

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Justin Holbrook, head coach of the Newcastle Knights arrives ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Dylan Lucas and Adina Brown

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dylan Lucas of the Newcastle Knights and Adina Brown arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Fletcher Sharpe

Warriors arrive on the carpet

Jackson Ford

Wayde Egan

Warriors’ daughter steals the spotlight

James Fisher-Harris with his daughter, Tahira

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: James Fisher-Harris of the Warriors and his daughter Tahira arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Penrith Panthers wow on the carpet

First of the Raiders arrive

Ethan Sanders and Sienna Miller

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Ethan Sanders of the Canberra Raiders and Sienna Miller arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Joseph and Kirsten Tapine

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Joseph Tapine of the Canberra Raiders and Kirsten Tapine arrive ahead of the 2026 Dally M Awards at The Cutaway, Barangaroo on September 30, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys’ Reed Mahoney smiles for the cameras

Silverchair swats down rumours of grand final gig

Iconic Aussie rock band Silverchair have disappointed fans by confirming they won’t be reuniting for a performance at the NRL grand final.

Frontman Daniel Johns took to Instagram on Wednesday to say the band was ‘too rusty’ but that members were finally agreeing on something.

‘For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something: GO KNIGHTS,’ he wrote.

‘It’s all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together, and it’s pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys.

‘Thanks to everyone who’s asked if we’re playing before the game. We’re way too rusty, so sorry, no can do. We won’t be taking the stage, but we’ll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and there in spirit.

‘Wishing the Newy players all the luck in the world this Sunday. Up the Knights! From The Chair.’

Broncos star Julia Robinson stuns in black

Early red carpet arrivals: Presenters Eloise Sohier and Jake Duke arrive

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Dally M awards 2026 live: NRL and NRLW stars take to the red carpet – as Nathan Cleary is tipped to win footy’s top honour from his hospital bed