Nathan Cleary is poised to become the first player to receive the Dally M Medal while recovering in hospital, following a tumultuous week for the Penrith Panthers halfback. Cleary sustained a double compound fracture to his left lower leg, including a dislocated ankle, during Sunday’s preliminary final defeat to the Newcastle Knights. The injury resulted from a hip-drop tackle by Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was subsequently handed a four-match suspension, ruling him out of this weekend’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
Crossland appeared before the judiciary panel, which convened for an 80-minute hearing before deliberating for 17 minutes to impose the ban. The 23-year-old expressed remorse, apologising to Cleary, the Panthers, and rugby league supporters, acknowledging the gravity of the incident. Crossland had entered a guilty plea, with NRL prosecutors advocating for a four-match ban while the defence recommended a suspension of two to three matches. With Crossland sidelined, Harrison Graham is expected to start at hooker in his place for the Knights, marking only his third appearance of the season.
Despite the severity of his injury, Cleary has already been recognised for his outstanding performance during the 2026 NRL season. He was named the Rugby League Players Association’s (RLPA) Players’ Champion for the second time, joining an elite group alongside James Tedesco and Jonathan Thurston as multiple recipients of the accolade. The award reflects peer recognition as the best player of the year, a notable accolade that has long eluded Cleary’s decorated resume.
Following round 12, when voting for the Dally M Medal went behind closed doors, Cleary led the leaderboard with 38 points, ahead of New Zealand’s Jackson Ford (35), Penrith teammate Dylan Edwards (32), North Queensland’s Scott Drinkwater (29), Roosters captain James Tedesco (27), and Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall (23). However, injuries and limited game time have curtailed the chances of Ford, Tedesco, and Trindall. Edwards remains Cleary’s closest competitor, with both players appearing in 10 matches as Penrith secured the minor premiership. Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga is also considered a potential dark horse for the award, having played limited games during voting secrecy but making a significant impact in the finals.
Cleary had narrowly missed out on the Dally M Medal in 2020, finishing two points behind Canberra’s Jack Wighton. Clint Newton, chief executive of the RLPA, praised Cleary’s consistency and professionalism throughout the season, describing his recognition as a testament to his ability and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Roosters will be monitoring the fitness of utility Connor Watson closely ahead of the grand final. Watson is scheduled to consult an independent neurologist on Thursday as he seeks clearance to play, having reported no lingering concussion symptoms. If cleared, he will line up in his first-ever premiership decider on Sunday.