Nathan Cleary capped off a remarkable 2026 season by claiming his first career Dally M Medal as the NRL’s Player of the Year.
The Panthers halfback collected 67 points to finish 14 points clear of runner-up Braydon Trindall, while also earning Dally M Halfback of the Year honours.
2026 NRL Dally M Medallist - Nathan Cleary
Across 23 appearances, Cleary scored six tries and provided a remarkable 29 try assists and 25 line break assists. He kicked 96 goals at an 85 per cent conversion rate, while averaging 492.2 kicking metres per game.
The 2026 season also saw Cleary reach the 200-game milestone for the Panthers, further adding to his growing legacy at the Club.
Nathan Cleary: 200 games of iconic moments
His influence was evident from the opening rounds, producing a number of match-winning performances throughout the season.
In Round 7, Cleary controlled proceedings against the Dolphins, finishing with two line breaks, two try assists, three conversions and a decisive field goal. His kicking game was equally influential, with 594 kicking metres helping continually pin the Dolphins in their own end.
Cleary wins it for the Panthers
Three rounds later, Cleary produced a halfback masterclass against the Canberra Raiders in a 30–18 victory. He scored a try, provided two try assists and two line break assists, made two line breaks and six tackle breaks, while kicking for more than 500 metres and converting all five of his attempts. The performance earned him five Dally M votes.
Cleary goes in
Cleary continued to deliver when the pressure was at its highest, playing a starring role in the Panthers’ qualifying final victory over the Sydney Roosters.
Cleary puts the Panthers in front
With the scores locked late in the contest, Cleary stepped up in the 70th minute to slot the match-winning field goal. He also finished the night with two try assists, a line break, a line break assist and 475 kicking metres.
Cleary’s impact was just as significant on the representative stage.
In State of Origin Game One, he orchestrated a 22–20 comeback victory for NSW, controlling the game with his kicking game, playmaking and leadership.
Cleary dominates Origin 1
He produced a vintage performance in the series decider, scoring two tries and guiding the Blues to a series-clinching victory. His performances across the series earned him the Wally Lewis Medal and Brad Fittler Medal as the player of the series.
Nathan Cleary the 2026 Wally Lewis Medallist
Cleary’s individual campaign was further recognised by his peers, with the RLPA Players’ Champion award adding to a remarkable collection of honours.
His season ultimately came to an early end in the preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights, when he suffered a leg fracture.
Cleary injures leg as Crossland sent off
From his first Dally M Medal to another Origin series victory, Cleary’s 2026 campaign was defined by match-winning moments, peer recognition and another chapter in his growing Panthers legacy.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2026 Dally M Medallist
2026 Dally M Halfback of the Year
2026 RLPA Players’ Champion
2026 Wally Lewis Medallist
2026 Brad Fittler Medallist
200 Panthers NRL games
Led NSW to State of Origin series victory
First career Dally M Medal
STAT ATTACK
- Appearances – 23
- Tries – 6
- Goals – 96
- Try assists – 29
- Line break assists – 25
- Forced drop outs – 6
- Offloads – 24
- Kicking metres – 11,321 (492.2 per game)
- Running metres – 2,242 (97 per game)
- Tackles – 448
- Tackle efficiency – 87.5%
BEST MOMENT
Cleary’s playmaking masterclass against the Raiders in Round 10, producing two try assists in a dominant performance.
Cleary creating tries as usual
WHAT WAS SAID
"I'll be back."
Nathan Cleary
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary thanked fans for their support in an Instagram post following his emergency end-of-season surgery.
SOCIAL SCENE
Cleary shared this photo with his partner, Matildas and Manchester City star Mary Fowler.
