Cleary Holds Fragile Dally M Lead as Ford Closes In
The race for the prestigious Dally M Medal is heating up, with Penrith Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary maintaining a slim lead at the top of the leaderboard. However, the gap has narrowed significantly in recent rounds, with Warriors powerhouse Jackson Ford mounting a serious challenge. With the Dally M voting process now conducted behind closed doors for the remainder of the season, the pressure is well and truly on as teams enter the crucial mid-season mark.
At the conclusion of Round 12, Cleary sits precariously ahead, a testament to his consistent brilliance throughout the early stages of the 2026 NRL season. Yet, the momentum appears to be shifting. In the latest round of voting, Ford, the rampaging forward for the New Zealand Warriors, managed to secure a perfect three votes, while Cleary surprisingly registered zero. This crucial swing has slashed Cleary’s lead to a mere three points, injecting a fresh dose of intrigue into the medal race.
The Dally M Medal is awarded annually to the player deemed to have performed best throughout the regular NRL season, as judged by the referees who award votes on a 3-2-1 basis after each match. This system ensures that individual performances are consistently recognised, creating a compelling narrative throughout the year.
Contenders Emerge as the Season Progresses
While Cleary and Ford are undoubtedly the frontrunners, other stars are also firmly in contention. Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards remains a strong presence in the race, sitting in third place on the leaderboard. Edwards is currently six votes behind his teammate Cleary, demonstrating the Panthers’ dominant form and the depth of talent within their squad. His ability to consistently impact games with his powerful running and defensive prowess makes him a constant threat.
The leaderboard paints a clear picture of the current top performers:
- Nathan Cleary (Panthers): 38 votes
- Jackson Ford (Warriors): 35 votes
- Dylan Edwards (Panthers): 32 votes
- Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys): 29 votes
- James Tedesco (Roosters): 27 votes
- Brayden Tindall (Sharks): 23 votes
- Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles): 22 votes
The inclusion of Scott Drinkwater of the North Queensland Cowboys and James Tedesco of the Sydney Roosters highlights the competitive nature of the competition. Drinkwater has been a revelation for the Cowboys, showcasing his elusive running and try-scoring ability. Similarly, veteran fullback Tedesco continues to defy age, proving once again why he is considered one of the game’s elite players.
What Lies Ahead in the Dally M Race?
As the season progresses and teams navigate the challenges of injuries, suspensions, and the sheer grind of a long campaign, the Dally M leaderboard is likely to see further fluctuations. The fact that voting is now a closed book means that the public will have to wait until the end of the regular season to discover the ultimate winner. This secrecy adds an extra layer of anticipation, as fans and players alike will be left to speculate on who is racking up the crucial points each week.
Jackson Ford’s recent surge is particularly noteworthy. His ability to consistently earn the maximum three votes indicates a player hitting a rich vein of form and making a significant impact on his team’s fortunes. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could well become the first Warriors player in recent memory to seriously challenge for the Dally M Medal.
The Panthers, meanwhile, will be hoping their star halves and attacking weapons can continue to deliver the goods. Cleary’s leadership and tactical nous are vital to their success, and his ability to steer the team to victory often translates into Dally M votes. Edwards’ consistent high-level performances at the back also ensure he is always in the running.
The journey to the Dally M Medal is a marathon, not a sprint. With over half the season still to play, and the added intrigue of behind-closed-doors voting, the 2026 race promises to be one of the most closely contested in recent memory. Every try, every tackle, and every moment of brilliance will be scrutinised, as players vie for the ultimate individual honour in Australian rugby league. The coming rounds will undoubtedly reveal more about the true contenders and potentially unearth some surprise packets as the season heads towards its exciting conclusion.
