Jai Arrow receives Provan-Summons Medal as Dally M awards honour NRL season

Jai Arrow has been awarded the Provan-Summons Medal at the Dally M Awards after a difficult season, while Nathan Cleary and Tamika Upton were among the favourites for the main NRL and NRLW awards. The medal recognises a player who reflects respect, honesty, bravery and sportsmanship. Arrow said on the red carpet that he had not been told many details about a tribute planned for him before Sunday’s men’s grand final.

Cleary entered the awards as the leading NRL contender after polling strongly before voting went behind closed doors. Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards joined him at the top of the published tally with 44 votes after the secret voting rounds through 18. Cleary’s prospects were complicated by serious injuries.

His father and Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary, said Nathan had undergone surgery on his left leg after a compound fracture and would return for another operation on his right foot. Ivan said the injury had been difficult for the family but that Nathan would be proud if he won. In the NRLW, Tamika Upton led the early voting before being overtaken by Raecene McGregor and Tarryn Aiken during the secret rounds.

McGregor moved to 26 points, with Aiken on 23 and Upton on 19 in the update described in the live coverage. Alex Johnston was recognised for a long-range try that broke Ken Irvine’s record. The award ceremony also featured players and families on the red carpet, including Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga, who praised teammate Phoenix Crossland despite Crossland being ruled out of the grand final through suspension.

Arrow is expected to receive another honour at the grand final on Sunday, although he said he had been told “nothing” about the planned presentation. The men’s final is scheduled to be played between the Roosters and Broncos, according to the fixture information supplied.