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Dally M Awards 2025: Tedesco Triumphs, Upton Makes History, But Where Does That Leave Harry Grant?

The 2025 Dally M Awards have crowned their champions, with James Tedesco securing his second prestigious medal in a landslide victory and Tamika Upton achieving a historic feat. But amid the celebrations, questions linger about the standing of other key players in the league, including star hooker Harry Grant.

Tedesco's Stellar Season Culminates in Dally M Glory

James Tedesco has capped off an outstanding season with his second Dally M Medal. The Sydney Roosters fullback dominated the field, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership throughout the year. According to ABC News, Tedesco's win was decisive, reflecting his consistent performance and impact on his team's success.

This win solidifies Tedesco's place among the NRL's elite and highlights his enduring influence on the game. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level has made him a fan favourite and a respected figure within the rugby league community.

Tamika Upton Etches Her Name in History

While Tedesco's victory was a familiar sight, Tamika Upton's achievement was truly groundbreaking. The Brisbane Broncos star claimed her second Dally M Medal, marking a historic first in the competition. The Brisbane Broncos official website proudly announced Upton's win, emphasizing the significance of her accomplishment.

Upton's back-to-back wins demonstrate her dominance in the women's game and her exceptional talent as a player. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring female athletes and further elevates the profile of women's rugby league in Australia.

The Dally M Medal: A Symbol of Excellence

The Dally M Medal is awarded each year to the NRL's best and fairest player, as voted by a panel of experts. The awards ceremony is a highlight of the rugby league calendar, celebrating the achievements of the game's top performers.

The medal is named after Henry "Dally" Messenger, a legendary Australian rugby league player who is considered one of the pioneers of the sport. Winning a Dally M Medal is a significant honour, recognizing not only individual skill but also leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game.

The Curious Case of Harry Grant: Where Does He Fit In?

While the spotlight shone brightly on Tedesco and Upton, the absence of Harry Grant from the major awards raises questions. Despite being a highly regarded hooker and a key player for the Melbourne Storm, Grant didn't feature prominently in the Dally M announcements.

This begs the question: what factors contribute to a player's success in the Dally M voting system, and why might a player like Harry Grant, known for his skill and impact, be overlooked in a particular year?

Potential Factors Influencing Dally M Results

Several factors could influence the Dally M voting process. These include:

• Team Performance: Players on successful teams often receive more recognition, as their individual contributions are amplified by the team's overall success.
• Positional Bias: Certain positions, such as fullbacks and halves, tend to attract more attention and may be favoured by voters.
• Consistency and Impact: Players who consistently perform at a high level and have a significant impact on their team's performance are more likely to be recognised.
• Media Coverage: Players who receive more media attention may be more top-of-mind for voters.
• Subjectivity: Ultimately, the Dally M voting process is subjective, and voters may have different criteria for evaluating players.

Grant's Strengths and Contributions

Harry Grant is known for his exceptional running game, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, and his defensive prowess. He consistently makes a significant impact for the Melbourne Storm and is considered one of the best hookers in the game.

His speed out of dummy half and vision make him a constant threat to opposition defences. Grant's ability to read the game and make quick decisions allows him to exploit weaknesses in the defensive line and create scoring opportunities.

The Melbourne Storm's Performance in 2025

The Melbourne Storm's performance in 2025 would have inevitably impacted the individual accolades awarded to their players. While the Storm remain a competitive force, their overall success may not have been as dominant as in previous years.

The team's consistency, their win-loss record, and their performance in key matches would all be considered when assessing the individual contributions of players like Harry Grant. If the Storm faced challenges or struggled to maintain their usual dominance, it could have affected Grant's chances of winning individual awards.

The Hooker Position: A Grinder's Role?

The hooker position is often considered one of the most demanding in rugby league. Hookers are responsible for making a high number of tackles, directing the forward pack, and creating opportunities in attack.

While the role is crucial to a team's success, it may not always be the most glamorous. Hookers often toil away in the trenches, doing the hard yards that don't always translate into highlight-reel moments. This could potentially contribute to hookers being overlooked for individual awards in favour of players in more attacking positions.

The Future Outlook for Harry Grant

Despite not winning a Dally M Medal in 2025, Harry Grant remains a highly valued player with a bright future ahead of him. His talent and dedication to the game are undeniable, and he is sure to continue making a significant impact for the Melbourne Storm and the Queensland Maroons in the years to come.

Grant's focus will likely be on continuing to improve his game, leading his team to success, and contributing to the overall growth of rugby league in Australia. Individual accolades may come his way in the future, but his primary focus will undoubtedly be on team success and personal development.

The Broader Implications for the NRL

The Dally M Awards provide a snapshot of the state of the NRL and highlight the players who are making a significant impact on the game. The awards also spark debate and discussion about the criteria for evaluating players and the factors that contribute to success in rugby league.

The emergence of new stars like Tamika Upton and the continued dominance of established players like James Tedesco demonstrate the depth of talent in the NRL and the exciting future of the sport in Australia.

The Importance of Recognizing All Contributions

While the Dally M Awards celebrate individual excellence, it's important to remember that rugby league is a team sport. Every player, from the highest-profile stars to the unsung heroes, contributes to the overall success of the team.

Recognizing the contributions of all players, regardless of their position or profile, is essential for fostering a positive team culture and promoting the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

As the 2025 season draws to a close, attention will soon turn to the 2026 season. Teams will be looking to build on their successes, address their weaknesses, and identify the next generation of stars.

The competition is sure to be fierce, with teams vying for premiership glory and players striving to make their mark on the game. The 2026 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the history of the NRL.

Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence and Anticipating the Future

The 2025 Dally M Awards have celebrated the achievements of James Tedesco and Tamika Upton, while also prompting reflection on the contributions of players like Harry Grant. The awards serve as a reminder of the talent, dedication, and passion that make rugby league such a beloved sport in Australia.

As we look ahead to the future, the NRL is poised for continued growth and excitement. With a new generation of stars emerging and established players continuing to shine, the game is in good hands. The 2026 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in the story of Australian rugby league.