The Sharks congratulate Blayke Brailey (NRL Hooker of the Year), Addin Fonua-Blake (NRL Prop of the Year), Ellie Johnston (NRLW Prop of the Year) and Rhiannon Byers (Veronica White Medal) on their awards at last night's Dally M Medal ceremony.
The club was also represented by NRLW captain Tiana Penitani Gray, who was nominated for Centre of the Year. While she didn't win, the multi–talented superstar was a major part of the TV coverage as a presenter for Fox League.
NRLW second-rower Byers was honoured for her tireless community work, claiming the prestigious Veronica White Medal over fellow finalists Kayla Romaniuk (Knights), Elsie Albert (Eels) and Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys).
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Byers mentors hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, promoting cultural connection and personal growth. She is also a passionate mental health advocate.
"This award isn't just a celebration of what has been done, but a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it," Byers said on stage. "I'm committed to continuing the work, lifting others up and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.
"Before I finish, I would like to leave something to think about. Mental health affects all of us, at every age. Whether you're a child, Elder, athlete, parent or a community worker, mental wellbeing is something we all carry.
"Too often we stay silent out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. But there is no weakness in speaking up and there is no shame in asking for help. Reaching out is strength and starting a conversation can change a life."
Rhiannon Byers named Veronica White Medallist
Having combined to dominate teams through the middle this season, Brailey and Fonua-Blake deservedly collected positional awards. Brailey finished fifth on the overall leaderboard with 42 votes behind winner James Tedesco (67 votes).
Sharks fullback Will Kennedy ranked 10th after polling 37 votes.
AFB, Brailey named in Dally M NRL Team of the Year
On the women's front, Johnston was rewarded for her dominance with the Prop the Year gong. Fellow Shark Emma Verran, who split her time between fullback and five-eighth, finished eighth with 20 votes. Broncos champion Tamika Upton secured the top honour with 35 votes ahead of teammate Julia Robinson (32).
Johnston announced in Dally M NRLW Team of the Year
Blayke Brailey – NRL Hooker of the Year
Key season stats: 27 games, 3 tries, 14 try assists, 11 line–break assists, 1220 tackles (1st in NRL), 3614 ball receipts (1st in NRL), 94.8% tackle efficiency
While he's long been regarded as one of the most consistent and durable hookers in the competition, Brailey elevated his creative output to truly elite levels in 2025.
Once again, the 27-year-old suited up in every match – taking his incredible streak to 130 consecutive NRL appearances. His dummy-half service and machine–like defence were strong as ever, but it was his dynamic running game that added a new element to Cronulla's attack and earned plaudits from pundits.
Already in career-best form, Brailey relished the responsibility of captaincy late in the season after being handed the reins following an injury to Cam McInnes.
Addin Fonua-Blake – NRL Prop of the Year
Key season stats: 27 games, 6 tries, 4345 metres (1st in NRL for props – 160m per game), 1931 post–contact metres (1st in NRL), 74 tackle breaks, 17 offloads
Signings don't come much bigger than Fonua-Blake – figuratively and literally.
The man mountain's on-field impact matched his sizeable presence in his first season at Cronulla, spearheading a deep finals run. Fonua-Blake's aggression, power and late footwork helped lay a platform each week, with the aforementioned Brailey perhaps the main beneficiary of the momentum created by the front–rower.
Fonua-Blake has now earned three straight Prop of the Year awards.
Ellie Johnston – NRLW Prop of the Year
Key season stats: 13 games, 3 tries, 328 tackles, 97% tackle efficiency, 1733 metres (133 per game), 708 post–contact metres (2nd in NRLW for props)
After earning her long-awaited NSW State of Origin debut leading into the NRLW season, Johnston embraced her newfound stature as a representative player by expertly guiding a young Sharks forward pack through a taxing campaign.
Johnston proved a handful for opposition defences, barging her way over the line for three tries and ranking second for post-contact metres among props.
Underscoring her impact, the front-rower passed 105 metres in all 13 matches.
Rhiannon Byers – Veronica White Medal
Byers stands out as a dedicated community leader.
As a proud Wiradjuri woman and Sharks NRLW player, she mentors hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, promoting cultural connection and personal growth.
Byers spearheads major wellbeing events, advocates for mental health with openness and courage, and actively supports grassroots female rugby league development. Overcoming serious injuries, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and discipline and has stood proudly for inclusivity, forging stronger communities and inspiring future generations both on and off the field.
Full list of results
Final Dally M Men's Leaderboard
James Tedesco – 67
Nathan Cleary – 45
Isaiya Katoa – 44
Payne Haas – 44
Blayke Brailey – 42
Tom Dearden – 42
Reece Walsh – 41
Luke Metcalf – 40
Daly Cherry–Evans – 39
Will Kennedy – 37
Any deductions due to suspension have already been applied
Final Dally M Women's Leaderboard
Tamika Upton – 35
Julia Robinson – 32
Jesse Southwell – 31
Isabelle Kelly – 29
Rachael Pearson – 24
Jakiya Whitfeld – 22
Yasmin Clydsdale – 21
Emma Verran – 20
Tarryn Aiken – 18
Olivia Kernick – 17
NRL Awards
Dally M Medal – James Tedesco – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Fullback of the Year – James Tedesco – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Winger of the Year – Mark Nawaqanitawase – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Winger of the Year – Xavier Coates – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Centre of the Year – Kotoni Staggs – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Centre of the Year – Stephen Crichton – Canterbury–Bankstown Bulldogs
Dally M Five–Eighth of the Year – Ethan Strange – Canberra Raiders
Dally M Halfback of the Year – Nathan Cleary – Penrith Panthers
Dally M Prop of the Year – Addin Fonua-Blake – Cronulla–Sutherland Sharks
Dally M Prop of the Year – Payne Haas – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Hooker of the Year – Blayke Brailey – Cronulla–Sutherland Sharks
Dally M Second–Row of the Year – Eliesa Katoa – Melbourne Storm
Dally M Second–Row of the Year – Hudson Young – Canberra Raiders
Dally M Lock of the Year – Erin Clark – Warriors
Peter Frilingos Headline Moment – The miracle of Mudgee
Provan–Summons Medal – Zac Lomax – Parramatta Eels
Dally M Coach of the Year – Ricky Stuart – Canberra Raiders
Dally M Rookie of the Year – Robert Toia – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Captain of the Year – James Tedesco – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Try of the Year – Mark Nawaqanitawase – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Tackle of the Year – Ethan Strange – Canberra Raiders
Ken Irvine Medal – Mark Nawaqanitawase – Sydney Roosters
NRL Top Point Scorer – Jamayne Isaako – Dolphins
NRLW Awards
Dally M Medal – Tamika Upton – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Fullback of the Year – Tamika Upton – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Winger of the Year – Payton Takimoana – Warriors
Dally M Winger of the Year – Sheridan Gallagher – Newcastle Knights
Dally M Centre of the Year – Isabelle Kelly – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Centre of the Year – Julia Robinson – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Five–Eighth of the Year – Gayle Broughton – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Halfback of the Year – Jesse Southwell – Newcastle Knights
Dally M Prop of the Year – Ellie Johnston – Cronulla–Sutherland Sharks
Dally M Prop of the Year – Jessika Elliston – Gold Coast Titans
Dally M Hooker of the Year – Emma Manzelmann – North Queensland Cowboys
Dally M Second–Row of the Year – Romy Teitzel – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Second–Row of the Year – Yasmin Clydsdale – Newcastle Knights
Dally M Lock of the Year – Olivia Kernick – Sydney Roosters
Provan–Summons Medal – Isabelle Kelly on behalf of the Sydney Roosters
Dally M Coach of the Year – John Strange – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Rookie of the Year – Shalom Sauaso – Brisbane Broncos
Dally M Captain of the Year – Isabelle Kelly – Sydney Roosters
Dally M Try of the Year – Indie Bostock – St George Illawarra Dragons
Dally M Tackle of the Year – Ivana Lauitiiti – Warriors
NRLW Top Try Scorer – Tamika Upton – Brisbane Bronco
NRLW Top Point Scorer – Romy Teitzel – Brisbane Broncos
