Dally M 2021: Award undergoes radical change and will be held over two nights

Rugby league’s night of nights will be held in a Queensland for the first time - and that’s not the least of the big changes for the event.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: NRL CEO Peter V'landys poses during the Dally M Medal Awards at Fox Sports Studios on October 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by NRL Photos - Pool/Getty Images)

The NRL has announced a historic change to the Dally M Awards with rugby league’s night of nights to be split over two weeks for the first time.

In a revolutionary change, the first awards event will be held on Monday, September 20th, before a second ceremony seven days later at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves.

The latter will reveal the major award winners, including the Dally M team and player of the year, coach of the year and rookie of the year.

The former will shine a spotlight on other awards, including the Provan-Summons medal for the people’s choice award, the Ken Irvine medal for the league’s top tryscorer and the Peter Frilingos award for headline moment of the year.

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Peter V'landys during the 2020 Dally M Awards

Fox League mainstay NRL 360 will host special Dally M editions prior to both events.

“The Dally M Awards showcase the exceptional performances of the season and this year we can celebrate the achievements of our players and officials across two events,’’ said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.

“With the entire competition relocated to Queensland in 2021, it was important to think differently for our awards this year.

“We have a new format and the first ever Dally M event in Queensland, ahead of the first ever grand final in Brisbane.

Jack Wighton of the Canberra Raiders after winning the Dally M Medal in 2020

“The new format will allow some players and guests in Brisbane to experience the gala evening in person while Fox Sports will ensure a state-of-the art experience for players and officials who have returned home.”

Manly’s Tom Trbojevic is a hot favourite to take out player of the year honours ahead of South Sydney’s Cody Walker while Roosters halfback Sam Walker and Warriors star Reece Walsh are tipped to contend for rookie of the year.