Panthers Stars Take Centre Stage
The 2026 Dally M Awards have once again provided a major platform for recognising the outstanding individual performances across the National Rugby League season, with three Penrith Panthers players earning positional honours.
Dylan Edwards was named the NRL Dally M Fullback of the Year, while Nathan Cleary received the NRL Dally M Halfback of the Year award. Thomas Jenkins also earned recognition after being named the NRL Dally M Winger of the Year.
The trio’s success highlights the impact of Penrith’s key players and their contributions throughout the 2026 campaign.
Edwards Earns Fullback Honour
Edwards claimed the Fullback of the Year award after another season in which his work at the back continued to make him an important figure for the Panthers.
The fullback position demands consistency, defensive awareness, attacking support and the ability to turn opportunities into valuable metres. Edwards has built his reputation around those qualities, regularly contributing to Penrith’s overall structure and providing stability behind the defensive line.
His recognition at the Dally M Awards adds another individual achievement to an impressive career.
Cleary Recognised at Halfback
Nathan Cleary was also among the major individual winners, taking home the Dally M Halfback of the Year award.
The Panthers captain has established himself as one of the leading halfbacks of his generation, combining kicking ability, game management and playmaking with a strong understanding of the rhythm of matches.
Cleary’s role in Penrith’s attacking organisation makes him one of the most influential players in the team, and his latest Dally M recognition reflects another season of significant contribution.
Jenkins Takes Winger Award
Thomas Jenkins completed the trio of Penrith winners by being named Dally M Winger of the Year.
The winger’s role requires finishing ability, strong carries from the defensive end of the field and reliable work under pressure. Jenkins’ performances throughout the season earned him recognition among the NRL’s leading players in his position.
His award also represents another important individual milestone as he continues to establish himself at the highest level of rugby league.
Panthers Influence on Awards
Having Edwards, Cleary and Jenkins recognised in three different positional categories provides a significant representation for the Panthers at the prestigious awards event.
The three players operate in very different positions, but each has an important responsibility within Penrith’s team structure. Their combined recognition demonstrates the variety of contributions required across a modern NRL side.
For Edwards and Cleary, the awards add further recognition to established careers, while Jenkins’ honour represents another step in his development.
Individual Success, Team Connection
Although the Dally M Awards focus on individual achievements, rugby league remains a team sport, meaning performances from players in different positions are closely connected.
A fullback’s support, a halfback’s organisation and a winger’s finishing ability can all influence how effectively a team executes its attacking plans. The recognition of Edwards, Cleary and Jenkins therefore reflects three different aspects of performance on the field.
A Night of Recognition
The 2026 Dally M Awards have given Edwards, Cleary and Jenkins an opportunity to celebrate their individual achievements after a demanding NRL season.
With the Fullback, Halfback and Winger of the Year honours heading to three Panthers players, the awards night provided a memorable moment for the club and its supporters.