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

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.

On top of the prestigious Dally M Medal, team and position awards – several other honours are up for grabs.

Those include:

• Rookie of the Year
• Captain of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Try of the Year
• Tackle of the Year

The Ken Stephen Medal and Veronica White Medal will also be awarded to players who made the biggest contribution to their communities.

The awards ceremony is set to begin at 6.30pm AEST.