2023 Dally M Medal awards: Every Brisbane Broncos nomination, Reece Walsh robbed of award
Brisbane is in the running for 10 Dally M Awards but there will be one noticeable Broncos name missing on Wednesday night. See every Broncos nominee and vote.
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Payne Haas has declared 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.
Haas is Brisbane’s leading contender to win the NRL’s top individual honour at the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night.
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.
SCROLL DOWN FOR: Round 12 leaderboard, every Broncos nominee, Team of the Year
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.
“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.
He is one of six Broncos players and coach Kevin Walters to be nominated for awards as Brisbane is recognised for its top two season.
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.
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 Ivan Cleary and Warriors rookie Andrew 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.”
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Originally published as 2023 Dally M Medal awards: Every Brisbane Broncos nomination, Reece Walsh robbed of award