Dally M Awards 2021: Favourites, start time, how to watch

The recipient of the most coveted accolade in rugby league will be announced tonight as five superstars remain in the running.

Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic.

The 2021 Dally M winner will be announced tonight as the NRL premiership draws to a close.

Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cody Walker and James Tedesco are the five men in contention for the top prize, while Coach of the Year and Team of The Year awards will also be handed out in the second and final instalment of the Dally M Awards.

The NRL has already revealed how the Dally M leaderboard looks after Round 19, with Cleary (24 votes) and Trbojevic (23) leading the tally.

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Importantly, players who were suspended from two or more matches are ineligible for the Dally M Award.

The Dally M Awards have been presented over two nights this year, which NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said would “allow some players and guests in Brisbane to experience the gala evening in person”.

How to watch the Dally M Awards

Fox Sports will televise the Dally M Medal gala ceremony live fromon Monday evening on Channel 502 (Fox League).

You can also live stream the event on Kayo Sports.

Panthers captain Nathan Cleary remains one of the favourites. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

What time are the Dally M Awards?

The ceremony is scheduled to get underway at 7.30pm AEST. Here’s what that means for different cities around Australia:

Sydney – 7.30pm

Melbourne – 7.30pm

Brisbane – 7.30pm

Perth – 5.30pm

Adelaide – 7pm

Hobart – 7.30pm

Full list of nominees

Fullback of the Year

James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

Will Kennedy (Cronulla Sharks)

Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)

Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne Storm)

Winger of the Year

Reuben Garrick (Manly Sea Eagles)

Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)

Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)

Jason Saab (Manly Sea Eagles)

Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Tom Trbojevic’s season was once again impeded by injury. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Centre of the Year

Matt Burton (Penrith Panthers)

Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters)

Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)

Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)

Dane Gagai (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Five-eighth of the Year

Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers)

Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)

Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)

Halfback of the Year

Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm)

Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles)

Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

Prop of the Year

Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)

James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers)

Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)

Christian Welch (Melbourne Storm)

Hooker of the Year

Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers)

Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)

Brandon Smith (Melbourne Storm)

Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Second-Rower of the Year

Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles)

Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers)

Sitili Tupouniua (Sydney Roosters)

Isaiah Papali’i (Parramatta Eels)

Lock of the Year

Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)

Dale Finucane (Melbourne Storm)

Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)