<h2>James Tedesco Wins Dally M Medal – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; James Tedesco claimed the 2025 Dally M Medal in dominant fashion, finishing with 67 votes to eclipse Nathan Cleary's 45 votes.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Tamika Upton secured back-to-back NRLW Dally M Medal honours, edging Brisbane teammate Julia Robinson by just three votes in a thrilling finish.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Canberra's Ricky Stuart and Sydney Roosters' John Strange collected Coach of the Year awards after stellar campaigns in their respective competitions.</p> <p>- &nbsp; This is the second time Tedesco has won the Dally M, first taking home the prestigious award in 2019.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tedesco Dominates Dally M Medal Count</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Sydney Roosters fullback delivered a commanding performance in the Dally M Medal voting, securing his second career win with an impressive 67 votes.</p> <p>Tedesco's victory margin proved substantial, with Penrith's Nathan Cleary finishing as runner-up on 45 votes, while Isaiya Katoa and Payne Haas shared third place with 44 votes each.</p> <p>"I've probably had a lot of critics and doubters the last couple of years, so I guess to be back on this stage and winning this medal is a proud achievement for myself," Tedesco reflected after his triumph.</p> <p>The 31-year-old previously claimed the Dally M Medal in 2019 and finished second in both 2022 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the competition's most consistent performers.</p> <p>Tedesco's stellar season helped guide the Roosters through a challenging campaign, with the veteran fullback providing crucial leadership throughout the year.</p> <p>His Dally M Medal success adds another accolade to an already distinguished career that has included State of Origin and international honours.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Upton Edges Teammate in NRLW Thriller</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brisbane's Tamika Upton secured her second NRLW Dally M Medal in dramatic circumstances, holding off a determined challenge from Broncos’ teammate Julia Robinson.</p> <p>The count remained tight throughout the ceremony, with Upton's crucial three-vote performance in Brisbane's final-round victory over North Queensland ultimately proving decisive.</p> <p>Upton finished with 35 votes, just three ahead of Robinson's tally of 32, while Newcastle's Jesse Southwell rounded out the podium on 31 votes.</p> <p>The fullback's consistency across the NRLW season earned recognition as the competition's premier player, adding to her 2022 Dally M Medal triumph.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Coaching Excellence Recognised</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Canberra's remarkable season received fitting recognition with Ricky Stuart claiming NRL Coach of the Year honours.</p> <p>The Raiders mentor guided his side to their first minor premiership in 35 years, transforming the club's fortunes through tactical innovation and player development.</p> <p>In the NRLW, John Strange earned Coach of the Year recognition after steering the Sydney Roosters through an unbeaten regular season. Strange's tactical acumen and player management proved instrumental in the Roosters' dominant campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Rising Stars Shine</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Robert Toia's impressive debut season earned the Roosters centre NRL Rookie of the Year honours, beating strong competition from Leka Halasima and Isaiah Iongi. The 21-year-old's seamless transition from lower grades to first-grade football included State of Origin selection for Queensland.</p> <p>Brisbane teenager Shalom Sauaso claimed NRLW Rookie of the Year recognition after an outstanding debut season with the Broncos.</p> <p>The 18-year-old's rapid development from schoolgirl rugby league to professional football highlighted the pathway opportunities available in women's rugby league.</p> <p>The Dally M Medal ceremony celebrated another outstanding year of rugby league, with individual excellence and team achievements earning appropriate recognition at Australian rugby league's most prestigious awards night.</p>