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Dally M Awards 2023: Kalyn Ponga’s heist, NRL try of the year and rookie of the year shocks

While it may have been one of the tightest Dally M races in recent years, some fans were left furious after Kalyn Ponga snatched victory from Warriors star Shaun Johnson.

Wilson Smith, Richard Lamberton and Adam Mobbs
16 min read
September 28, 2023 - 7:51AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Dally M: Nathan Cleary v Payne Haas
Dally M: Nathan Cleary v Payne Haas

While it may have been one of the tightest Dally M races in recent years, fans have been left divided after Warriors star Shaun Johnson was denied victory, with Kalyn Ponga pipping him in the last round by one point.

Ponga’s last-gasp victory came as a shock to many after the Knights star had polled just six points when voting went behind closed doors.

However, Ponga’s low polling early in the season can be put down to the fact he returned cautiously from a concussion assessment in Canada in round 8.

Johnson also missed the final regular season fixture costing him valuable points.

But Ponga’s incredible post-round 12 form - where he polled 50 points over 12 rounds - is worthy of the Dally M in itself and a reflection of the revamped voting process.

The NRL’s introduction voting process in a bid to add more excitement to the live count did just that, with the two judge system and maximum six-point rounds adding to this year’s electric count.

Re-live every big moment and see every Dally M Medal award winner below

10PM: KALYN PONGA CLAIMS NRL DALLY M MEDAL

The Newcastle Knights have emerged as the biggest winners from the Dally M awards, with star fullbacks Kalyn Ponga and Tamika Upton claiming the top gongs. Ponga didn't feature in the top 10 after voting went behind closed doors, or even after Round 18. But the Knights incredible nine game winning streak towards the end of the season catapulted him into the top, pipping Shaun Johnson by one point at the end of Round 27.

Kalyn Ponga with his Dally M. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Kalyn Ponga with his Dally M. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Kalyn Ponga and Mum Adine ahead of GF

9:56: PM NRLW DALLY M MEDAL WINNER

- Pamela Whaley

It’s long been believed Tamika Upton is the best in the game, but now it’s official.

Newcastle’s star fullback has capped off an incredible season for the NRLW grand finalists by claiming the women’s Dally M Medal on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old was named the best and fairest in the women’s competition after leading the Knights to the minor premiership as well as Sunday’s decider against Gold Coast.

The superstar fullback has played every game for the Knights this season, guiding the team to eight wins while in hot form with five tries, eight try assists and 11 linebreak assists, as well as averaging 221 running metres per game.

It backs up last year’s premiership-winning performance and caps off a huge 12 months for Upton.

Earlier this year she helped Queensland to their State of Origin series victory over NSW, and was also awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal for last year’s grand final win with Newcastle.

9:50: PM DALLY M TEAMS OF THE YEAR

- Dean Ritchie

What a team, what a season.

There were shocks and certainties when the Dally M team of the year was announced on Wednesday night.

FULLBACK

Winner: Kalyn Ponga

Nominees: James Tedesco (Roosters), Dylan Edwards (Panthers), Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

Verdict: Genuine superstar who ignited the competition during Newcastle’s stunning run into the finals. Showed again why he is an attacking genius who will go down among the greats of the modern era.

WINGER

Winner: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamayne Isaako

Nominees: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Brian To’o (Panthers), Dominic Young (Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)

Verdict: Watene-Zeleniak scored 24 tries in 20 games this year in his finest and most consistent season in the NRL. Isaako scored 244 points in a Dolphins side that missed the final, including 24 tries.

CENTRE

Winner: Stephen Crichton, Herbie Farnworth

Nominees: Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Bradman Best (Knights), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Izack Tago (Panthers)

Verdict: Crichton is among the best strike centres in rugby league through power, speed and anticipation. Farnworth has enjoyed a breakout season ahead of the grand final.

NRL AND NRLW SUPERSTITIONS

FIVE-EIGHTH

Winner: Ezra Mam

Nominees: Ezra Mam (Broncos), Cameron Munster (Storm), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)

Verdict: Established himself as Brisbane’s premier five-eighth this year. Bounces around the field and provides the perfect foil for experienced Adam Reynolds.

HALFBACK

Winner: Shaun Johnson

Nominees: Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)

Verdict: What a season for this star veteran. Lifted the Warriors – and the entire country of New Zealand – on his shoulders through flamboyance and footy intellect.

PROP

Winner: Payne Haas, Addin Fonua-Blake

Nominees: Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Payne Haas (Broncos), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)

Verdict: Haas is the prototype of rugby league’s new age front-rower. Big, fast and powerful. Fonua-Blake has unbelievable agility and footwork for a big bloke.

HOOKER

Winner: Harry Grant

Nominees: Wayde Egan (Warriors), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Harrison Grant (Storm)

Verdict: The smartest dummy half in rugby league. Knows exactly when the run, dummy and pass. Many feel he has only skimmed the surface of his untapped talent.

SECOND-ROW

Winner: Liam Martin, David Fifita

Nominees: Liam Martin (Panthers), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Haumole Olaka’uatu (Sea Eagles), David Fifita (Titans), Hudson Young (Raiders)

Verdict: Martin again showed why he is the game’s most fearless, courageous and relentless forward. Fifita is a brute who terrorised opponents this season with his sheer power and size.

LOCK

Winner: Patrick Carrigan

Nominees: Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

Verdict: Has it all. Plays in the middle and can also ball play and dig into the line. While he isn’t Brisbane captain, Carrigan is among the best leaders in the NRL.

2023 DALLY M NRLW TEAM OF THE YEAR

Fullback: Tamika Upton (Knights)

Winger: Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers), Julia Robinson (Broncos)

Centre: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Mele Hufanga (Broncos)

Five-eighth: Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)

Halfback: Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)

Hooker: Destiny Brill (Broncos)

Prop: Shannon Mato (Titans), Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)

Second row: Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Olivia Kernick (Roosters)

Lock: Simaima Taufa (Raiders)

9:30 DALLY M TRACKER

After Round 18 Dylan Edwards was on top of the leaderboard on 35 points, but Nicho Hynes and Shaun Johnson are tied for second on 33 points.

But at the end of Round 23 we have a new leader, with Shaun Johnson on 51 points, while Kalyn Ponga has been catapulted into second spot on 43 points despite not featuring in the top 10 after Round 18. Nicho Hynes and Harry Grant aren’t far behind on 42 and 41 points, while Nathan Cleary has also surged back into contention on 39 points after coming back from injury.

Top players on who they think will win the finals

9:15PM NRLW DALLY M TRACKER

At the end of NRLW Round 7, Simaima Taufa remains on top of the NRLW Dally M leaderboard, but star fullbacks Teagan Berry and Tarryn Aitken are tied for second just one point behind the Raiders skipper.

8:50PM ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

-Peter Badel and Tyson Jackson

Penrith’s Fijian flyer Sunia Turuva has beaten a hot field of young guns to claim the NRL’s rookie of the year gong.

Terrific Turuva celebrated his 21st birthday three weeks ago and he goes into Sunday night’s grand final against Brisbane on the ultimate high after being crowned the best newcomer of the 2023 season.

Charlie Staines’ departure to the Tigers this season created a vacancy on Penrith’s left flank and Turuva wasted no time marking his mark with fearless charges and proficient finishing ability.

The Fijian World Cup representative’s 12 tries from 25 games this season is complemented by two try assists, 17 line breaks, 120 tackle busts and a staggering 4154 run metres at an average of 166m per game.

That was enough for Turuva to stave off rookie-of-the-year nominees, Tigers fullback Jahream Bula and Storm winger Will Warbrick, who scored 17 tries from 25 games in a brilliant first-year conversion from rugby union.

In the NRLW, Cronulla Sharks young star Annessa Biddle has claimed rookie of the year.

8:47PM NRL COACH OF THE YEAR … AND BEST SPEECH OF THE NIGHT

Give Dally M Coach of the Year Andrew Webster a second award for best speech of the night!

The Warriors saviour beat grand final coaches Ivan Cleary and Kevin Walters to the top gong, and likely took home MVP of the night honours in the process.

Webster delivered an all-time Dally M speech when thanking wife, Em, for sticking by him after moving across The Ditch.

“First I’d like to thank you most beautiful women in the room, my wife,” Webster said after collecting his Coach of the Year Award.

Not content with claiming the coach of the year award, Warriors coach Andrew Webster also delivered the speech of the night. Picture: Getty Images.
Not content with claiming the coach of the year award, Warriors coach Andrew Webster also delivered the speech of the night. Picture: Getty Images.

“She’s a good sort and knows nothing about football which is the best thing about it but she’s let me chase my dreams: moved countries, become a head coach, and to have your first baby in a different country, you’re a champ, Em, I love ya.

“I’ve got the brownie points out of the way …”

Webster wished Cleary and Walters the best of luck in the grand final in a classy finish to a classy speech.

8:44PM NRLW COACH OF THE YEAR

In the NRLW, Titans coach Karyn Murphy has been crowned the 2023 coach of the year, after taking her side to their maiden grand final appearance.

8:40PM BRUTAL PONGA PREDICTION

He may have enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, but according to Kalyn Ponga’s mum Adine, he’s no chance of taking out the Dally M Medal.

Although she asked not to speak, Fox League’s Jake Duke asked: “Adine, I know you didn’t want to say anything but do you think he’s a chance tonight? Hopeful?”

Mrs Ponga laughed “No”, adding: “I’ll be proud no matter what.”

8:35 NRL CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR

And the 2023 NRL captain of the year is Brisbane Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds. From the heartbreak of missing finals in 2022, Reynolds guided the Broncos into premiership contention and a grand final appearance.

NRLW players give their tips ahead of women's grand final at the weekend

8:30 NRLW CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR

And the 2023 NRLW captain of the year is the Raiders Simaima Taufa. The Canberra skipper may be a Dally M contender but she won’t be going home empty-handed.

8:20PM DALLY M TRACKER

After the first four rounds of the NRLW, Raiders Simaima Taufa leads the race, four points clear at the top of the leaderboard.

In the NRL, Nathan Cleary was on top after votes went behind closed doors in Round 12.

At the end of Round 18 Dylan Edwards is on top of the ladder at 35 points, followed closely behind are Nicho Hynes, Shaun Johnson, Ben Hunt, Payne Haas.

7:51PM PROVAN-SUMMONS MEDAL WINNERS

NRLW Broncos hooker Lavinia Gould for caring for her gravely sick daughter, Kaia, who was put in an induced coma in after undergoing emergency open heart surgery.

In the NRL, Sharks star Nicho Hynes won the award for his touching jersey tribute to Paul Green’s children.

7:40PM TOP TRYSCORERS AWARDED

Dolphins points-scoring machine Jamayne Isaako wins the Ken Irvin Medal (top try scorer) and top point scorer medal – the first player to win both awards Immortal Mal Meninga in 1990.

Dragons flyer Teagan Berry takes out the NRLW top try scorer gong after an electric season at fullback, while Ali Brigginshaw was the top point scorer.

7:30PM TACKLE OF THE YEAR

Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu’s monster hit on Storm centre Justin Olam in Round 7 has won the Tackle of the Year in the NRL.

In the NRLW, Wests Tigers speedster Jakiya Whitfield has won Tackle of the Year after running down Roosters centre Isabelle Kelly in Round 6.

7:25PM TRY OF THE YEAR

Dragons winger Mathew Feagai has been awarded the Try of the Year for his superb 79th minute match winning four-pointer against the Roosters in Round 12.

This comes as a bit of a shock, with Dominic Young the red hot favourite for his physics-defying upside down try against the Dragons in Round 27.

In the NRLW, Knights halfback Jesse Southwell has claimed Try of the Year, after running through several Roosters defender to score her third for the season in Round 9.

7:20PM DOLPHINS CLAIM PETER FRILINGOS AWARD

In a season full of drama, suspense and surprises, it’s hard to believe the headline moment of the year came in round 1.

But that’s what happened when the Dolphins shocked the rugby league world in their NRL debut, shocking premiership heavyweights the Sydney Roosters in a “phin-credible” opening-round boilover.

The Dolphins’ 28-18 win in their opening game at Suncorp Stadium was on Wednesday night named the Peter Frilingos Headline Moment of the Year Award at the Dally M Awards.

Dolphins win Peter Frilingos Award for Headline moment of the Year
Dolphins win Peter Frilingos Award for Headline moment of the Year

Named after legendary The Daily Telegraph journalist ‘Chippy’ Frilingos, who passed away suddenly in 2004, the award recognises the moments in the NRL season that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Written off as wooden spoon favourites, the Dolphins played like premiership heavyweights to kick off their NRL existence in emphatic fashion with a boilover victory on a warm Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

The Dolphins scored a narrow victory in the headline moment of the year, ahead of the Mitchell Moses-Nathan Cleary field-goal duel in round 4 where the Parramatta halfback slotted the winner in the 17-16 golden-point thriller, after Cleary had, only moments earlier, kicked a stunning two-point field goal from 45m out, to level the scores.

Other nominees included Maroons prop Lindsay Collins’s leap over Roosters teammate and NSW fullback, James Tedesco, to set up the match-sealing try in State of Origin I.

6.50PM: BRONCOS ARRIVE ON RED CARPET

– Matty Holdsworth

The Brisbane Broncos stars and partners have rolled down the red carpet ahead of the NRL’s night of nights.

It had been a rapid schedule for the eight Broncos up for individual awards and coach Kevin Walters after they flew in from Brisbane in the afternoon.

It was an even more stressful time for their partners with a matter of hours to scrub up for the Dally Ms.

For Lilly Pickles, the girlfriend of Broncos’ centre Herbie Farnworth, it was a mad rush to organise hair, makeup and stunning outfit.

“He only gave us girls three days’ notice, so I quickly had to find something,” Ms Pickles said.

“She’s been a bit stressed since I gave her short notice,” Farnworth said.

But away from the laughs and the fashion she is one proud partner.

“I’m extremely proud of him, a lot of hard work has gone into this,” she said.

Herbie Farnworth and Lilly Pickles. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Herbie Farnworth and Lilly Pickles. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Selwyn Cobbo with Ruby Peyroux. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Selwyn Cobbo with Ruby Peyroux. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Farnworth assured his troublesome hamstring injury was OK and he would be fit and firing for Sunday.

Much of the Broncos’ stars including Farnworth, Kotoni Staggs, Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo were all fitted by MJ Bale at Chermside.

Lock forward Patty Carrigan however, had to find his own outfit.

“All the boys have partners but I’m riding solo, so I had to throw this together at the last minute, I called mum up and she helped,” Carrigan said.

“This is actually out of my own wardrobe, I haven’t got a bad wardrobe, I wore it earlier this year. But all the boys looked good.”

Carrigan said the support from fans at open training sessions at Red Hill had been the stuff of dreams – his own in fact.

A relaxed Selwyn Cobbo strutted the red carpet with partner Ruby Peyroux.

Coobo said a bus load of his family were coming down to Cherbourg for the grand final.

“All my family are driving down on Sunday, my dad is getting a bus because they don’t like flying,” he said.

“They will definitely fill the bus. But dad really doesn’t like flying.”

5:30PM PLAYERS ARRIVE ON THE RED CARPET

Titans star David Fifita has turned heads on the red carpet, after rocking a suit and sneakers combination, as the games biggest stars arrive for rugby league’s night of nights.

CHECK OUT OUR MEGA GALLERY FROM THE RED CARPET HERE

David Fifita on the red carpet wearing sneakers with his suit. Picture: Jonathan Ng
David Fifita on the red carpet wearing sneakers with his suit. Picture: Jonathan Ng

WHO THE PLAYERS ARE BACKING FOR THE DALLY M MEDAL

4PM THE BRONCOS HAVE LANDED

The Brisbane Broncos have arrived in Sydney ahead of the Dally M Awards and NRL Grand Final. A host of Broncos players have received team of the year nominations, with Payne Haas a leading contender for the top gong.

Brisbane Broncos arrive in Sydney ahead of grand final

DALLY M MEDAL ULTIMATE GUIDE: Rnd 12 leaderboard, every ineligible player, Team of the Year nominees

COACH OF THE YEAR: KEVVIE v IVAN?

– Brent Read

Penrith insist that the Panthers’ sustained period of success should weigh in Ivan Cleary’s favour – rather than weigh him down – when the judges sit down to select the Dally M coach of the year on Wednesday night.

Cleary has taken the Panthers to four consecutive grand finals and can etch his name into folklore on Sunday night by leading the club to a third consecutive title – making Penrith the first team in the NRL era to achieve the feat.

Yet Cleary’s record appears to be counting against him given Warriors coach Andrew Webster and Brisbane’s Kevin Walters have received most of the public support when it comes to the coach of the year award.

Penrith chief executive Matt Cameron, however, has rallied behind Cleary ahead of Dally M night, to be held at Royal Randwick Racecourse.

“It is the fourth year of a continuation – to be able to keep players up for that period of time is an art, a skill,” Cameron said.

Who will win Dally M coach of the year in 2023? Ivan Cleary, Kevin Walters or Andrew Webster.
Who will win Dally M coach of the year in 2023? Ivan Cleary, Kevin Walters or Andrew Webster.

“The comparison is two coaches at two clubs who have taken underperforming teams and have had stellar seasons against a coach who has had a high-performing team and kept them at a high performing level.

“He (Cleary) is different to the Warriors and different to the Broncos. His success this year is about sustaining success, losing players and continuing success.”

The Panthers won 18 games and secured the minor premiership in the final round of the regular season when Brisbane lost to Melbourne.

They then cruised through the finals, swiping aside the Warriors and Melbourne. The ease with which they dismissed two of the better sides in the competition no doubt reinforced the perception in some eyes that Cleary is blessed with a playing group – and production line – superior to any other in the NRL.

Cameron believes that is selling the coach short given the turnover of playing staff in recent season. At the end of last season it was Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau who left for bigger offers at rival clubs.

At the end of this season, Stephen Crichton will leave for the Bulldogs. Success has brought with it plenty of challenges, yet Cleary has answered everything that has been thrown at him.

“I think most people wouldn’t have had us in the position we are in after we lost Api and Viliame at the end of last year,” Cameron said.

“We do and I know the coach does put a value on week-to-week consistency and being recognised for that at the end of the year with the minor premiership.

“I think both achievements are outstanding but to keep a high performing team at a high performance level over a long period of time is worth its weight in gold.

“To me, that is a greater achievement in the salary cap world.”

WHY BRONCOS ARE CONFIDENT OF CLEAN SWEEP

Brisbane vice-captain Kurt Capewell says Payne Haas would be a deserved winner of this year’s Dally M gong as the Broncos prepare for a medal sweep ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.

Broncos players will touch down in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon to ramp-up grand-final preparations against Penrith – starting with tonight’s official NRL Dally M Awards ceremony at Randwick racecourse.

A total of eight Broncos have been nominated in eight categories, including mentor Kevin Walters, who will vie with Ivan Cleary and Andrew Webster for the NRL’s coach of the year award.

The Broncos could walk away with a stack of medals in what would be a perfect build-up to Sunday’s decider against the Panthers at Accor Stadium.

But the only Bronco in serious contention for the top gong – the Dally M Medal – is superstar prop Haas.

Capewell has watched Haas from close quarters this season and the veteran back-rower backed the NSW Origin to become just the second Bronco after Allan Langer in 1996 to claim the prestigious award.

Dally M: Nathan Cleary v Payne Haas
Dally M: Nathan Cleary v Payne Haas

“I really hope Payne wins the Dally M,” Capewell said.

“He deserves it. He has been one of the best players in the comp in a losing team for the last few years.

“He deserves all the accolades he gets.”

Of Brisbane’s remarkable Dally M nominations, Capewell said: “It’s an awesome recognition of what this club has achieved this year.

“Those blokes who have been most consistent for us all year are finally getting recognised.

“Guys like Payne and Kotoni were playing great footy here when the club was losing and some of those guys are still among the best players in the comp.”

Haas admits he will trade a Dally M Medal for a premiership ring as Broncos superstar Reece Walsh prepares to be snubbed at the NRL’s night of nights.

The tireless prop has produced a sensational 2023 campaign to help the Broncos qualify for Sunday night’s grand final against Penrith at Accor Stadium.

Haas had a three-point lead from Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary when voting went behind closed doors after round 12, but will lose six points due to a one-match suspension.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson is the hot favourite for the gong while Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is also expected to poll well.

Haas, 23, said it would be an honour to win the Dally M but he would trade the medal for a win in his first NRL grand final on Sunday.

Payne Haas was leading the Dally M voting halfway through the season, but believes Shaun Johnson will claim the top gong. Picture: Getty Images.
Payne Haas was leading the Dally M voting halfway through the season, but believes Shaun Johnson will claim the top gong. Picture: Getty Images.

“It would mean the world to win the Dally M,” he said.

“I’m not sure if I will get it. I think ‘SJ’ (Johnson) will get it, but I’m really pleased with the season I’ve had and it’s so cool seeing all the boys get nominated for so many awards. It shows how hard we worked in the off-season and I’m really proud of the guys for the success we’ve had.

“It’s great to be in contention, but to be honest, you want to win a premiership.

“All those individual accolades are great, but I’d give all that up for a premiership with the Broncos.

“I’m really focused on this Sunday and making sure I play my best game.”

Haas has once again been nominated for prop of the year, an award he has claimed three times in the past four seasons.

Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Kotoni Staggs, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Haas have been short-listed for the team of the year while Adam Reynolds is a nominee for captain of the year.

One player that was missing off the list of finalists was Walsh.

Reece Walsh was fifth in Dally M voting before it went behind closed doors, but the Broncos star is ineligible for the prestigious award due to suspension. Picture: Getty Images.
Reece Walsh was fifth in Dally M voting before it went behind closed doors, but the Broncos star is ineligible for the prestigious award due to suspension. Picture: Getty Images.

The Brisbane No. 1 has produced a stunning season and was fifth in Dally M Medal voting at the halfway point of the year, however a three-game ban for abusing a referee has ruled Walsh out of contention for any awards.

Walters is up against Penrith rival Cleary and Warriors rookie Webster for coach of the year and Reynolds said the Broncos mentor deserved the gong.

“I think Kevvie deserves to be coach of the year,” he said.

“You only have to look back a couple of years ago when he took over the Broncos, he came in at a time where the team wasn’t doing too well and their confidence was shot.

“Players weren’t playing to their potential and he has turned the club around in a short amount of time.

“He has the belief factor back in the team and he has got us playing an exciting brand of football that everyone loves watching.

“I love Kevvie as a bloke. He is a terrific fella who knows how to have a good time, but he knows when to be serious. They are good traits to have as a coach.”

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/dally-m-medal-all-the-nominees-vote-leaders-and-players-who-are-ineligible/news-story/e46ca0c58991a478e44f3d5e28a6a1b9