Sunday 4 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Australia

Nathan Cleary tipped for first Dally M Medal as 12,000 fans flock to Knights training

Grand final pre-game entertainment to feature tribute to Jai Arrow after Tones and I talks collapse

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary is the favourite to win his first Dally M Medal on Wednesday night, reportedly watching the count from a hospital bed, as Newcastle Knights drew 12,000 fans to an open training session ahead of Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters.

The NRL's night of nights is underway with the 2026 Dally M Awards, and all eyes are on Nathan Cleary. The Penrith playmaker is tipped to claim the prestigious medal for the first time, though he is reportedly following the count from a hospital bed. No details have been provided on Cleary's condition.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights held an open training session at McDonald Jones Stadium that drew a reported 12,000 fans, swamping the venue ahead of their grand final clash with the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium on Sunday.

In a separate development, the NRL has revealed the pre-game entertainment for the grand final. Australian Rugby League Commission executive chairman Peter V'landys confirmed the league will stage a stirring tribute to Jai Arrow, replacing the customary pre-game show. The decision follows the breakdown of talks with Australian artist Tones and I. V'landys teased a must-watch surprise for fans.

The live blog continues to track the Dally M count, which went behind closed doors earlier in the evening.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The Dally M Medal is rugby league's highest individual honour, and Nathan Cleary winning would be a major career milestone for one of the game's biggest stars.
  • The grand final between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights is set to be a blockbuster, with the Knights' fan turnout indicating huge interest.
  • The tribute to Jai Arrow signals the NRL's commitment to honouring its players and may set a precedent for future grand final ceremonies.

Background

The Dally M Awards are the NRL's annual ceremony recognising the season's best players. The medal is voted on by judges each round. This year's awards take place just days before the grand final, with Nathan Cleary long considered a favourite after a strong season. The Knights, after a successful campaign, will face the Roosters in the decider. The pre-game entertainment change came after negotiations with Tones and I fell through.

Key Perspectives

NRL fans: The announcement of a tribute to Jai Arrow rather than a musical act may divide opinion. Some will appreciate the emotional acknowledgment; others may miss traditional entertainment. Nathan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers: Cleary, reportedly watching from hospital, would see a first Dally M Medal as validation of his dominant season. The Panthers would celebrate a second successive individual award. Newcastle Knights and their supporters: The 12,000-strong training crowd demonstrates the passion behind the club's first grand final appearance in years. The team will be buoyed by the support.

What to Watch

  • The Dally M vote count when it is eventually revealed, particularly whether Cleary's lead holds.
  • Any update on Nathan Cleary's health and his availability for any off-season commitments.
  • Fan and media reaction to the Jai Arrow tribute at the grand final on Sunday.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe