NRL’s New Dally M Voting System Explained – Four Pointer Summary:

 - The NRL revamped the Dally M Medal voting system in 2023 and are now introducing two unnamed judges per match instead of one.

 - Players can now receive a maximum of six votes per game, with each judge awarding votes on a three-two-one basis.

 - Suspension rules remain strict, with players facing two or more weeks on the sideline becoming ineligible for the prestigious award.

 - Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has been tipped to take out the 2026 Dally M.

How the Dally M Medal Voting System Works

The revamped Dally M Medal system represents a major departure from previous years. Two unnamed judges, carefully selected from a panel of former NRL players, now evaluate each regular season match independently.

Each judge awards votes on the traditional three-two-one basis, meaning the standout performer can collect up to six votes per game - double the previous maximum.

This dual-judge approach replaces the single-judge system that operated for decades. Previously, one publicly known judge would award three votes to the best player on field, two votes to the second-best performer, and one vote to the third-best player.

The new system maintains this scoring structure but amplifies the potential points available whilst keeping judge identities confidential.

Votes for the opening 12 rounds are published weekly on Mondays following each round. However, after round 12, the voting process moves behind closed doors until the regular season concludes, building anticipation for the grand reveal at the annual Dally M Awards ceremony.

Dally M Medal Eligibility and Suspension Rules

The NRL maintains strict eligibility criteria for the Dally M Medal. Any player suspended for two or more matches during a single season immediately becomes ineligible for all Dally M Awards, regardless of their vote tally.

This rule ensures players maintain high standards of conduct throughout the campaign.

Additionally, suspended players face point deductions of three Dally M Medal points for each week they serve on the sideline.

These penalties can significantly impact a player's final tally, even if they avoid the two-match threshold that triggers complete disqualification.

Team of the Year Selection Process

Beyond the individual medal, judges also determine the Dally M Team of the Year featuring one player in each of the 13 starting positions.

The selection process involves regular voting throughout the season, with judges evaluating the best performers in each position.

A final vote occurs at the regular season's conclusion to determine the team composition.

Players finishing in the top three Dally M Medal voting automatically secure their respective positions in the Team of the Year, whilst other positions go to those polling the highest votes in their designated roles.

Recent Dally M Medal winners showcase the award's prestige, with the Roosters James Tedesco taking out last year's award. 

Previous recipients include Jahrome Hughes (2024), Kalyn Ponga (2023), Nicho Hynes (2022), and Tom Trbojevic (2021), demonstrating the calibre of talent recognised through this comprehensive voting system.

The enhanced Dally M Medal voting system reflects the NRL's commitment to maintaining the award's integrity whilst providing comprehensive evaluation of player performances across the demanding regular season schedule.

Dally M Odds and Betting 

As of 2020, the NRL made the executive decision to discontinue all betting on the Dally M awards. That means there are no odds available for this year's Dally M Medal.

Obviously this means that no, you cannot bet on the 2026 Dally M. However, you can still bet on other NRL futures markets such as: Grand Final Winner, or Top Tryscorer, but award night betting remains strictly off-limits.

Even though the Dally M awards are about to be announced, the season isn’t over yet! Check out the NRL Grand Final odds below and get expert tips and predictions for all remaining Finals games here!