Every aspect of rugby league’s Dally M awards night – including the dress code – is under scrutiny after this year’s event danced between daring and dull. Wednesday night’s ceremony attracted criticism from those in attendance – as well as viewers watching on Fox Sports – for its lack of excitement and vibrancy on what is supposed to be the game’s night of nights.
James Tedesco’s predictable stroll to a second medal win sucked much of the tension out of the room, with one guest telling Yahoo Sport Australia the official announcement had “all the exhilaration of an RSL club announcing the courtesy bus was leaving”. Only five of the 17 NRL coaches were in attendance, with most clubs only sending a player or two.
Jessica Sergis, Tommy Talau, Tevita Naufahu and Indie Bostock at the Dally M awards. Image: Getty/AAP
Even the post-ceremony kick on – often the best part of the evening – was a non-event as players, officials and journalists quickly went their separate ways once formal proceedings ended. Former Dally M halfback-of-the-year Brett Kimmorley described the mood as “flat” and believes change is needed to reinvigorate the night.
“I went last year and this year and the excitement was much lower this year,” he told SEN radio. “It felt like everyone just wanted to get in, get the awards done and get out.
“The whole atmosphere in the room was flat. It was quiet and there was limited excitement in the room. Well done to the award winners but I think we need to look at changes.”
It’s understood the NRL is open to change and will consider a range of options for the 2026 ceremony, including:
Splitting the men’s and women’s awards into separate nights
Moving the event away from the vacuous Royal Randwick racecourse to a more intimate venue
Bringing the night forward to the week after the regular season, ensuring more players and coaches are available to attend
Amending rules around eligibility after the likes of Joe Tapine and Harry Grant were ruled out of contention due to suspension
Shaking up and enhancing the on-stage presentation to bring more life to the event
The biggest names in the NRL and NRLW walked the red carpet at the Dally M awards. Image: Getty
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NRL won’t be enforcing stricter dress code
There’s also been heated discussion and debate among fans over whether the night requires a stricter dress code after a number of players and guests wore daring “barely-there” outfits and sheer gowns. But while some supporters called the green carpet arrivals a “flesh-fest”, others celebrated the fact a number of guests were willing to push the fashion boundaries.
The subsequent media exposure was priceless. The NRL has no interest in enforcing a stricter dress code but will consider a stand-alone NRLW awards night given the growing profile of the women’s game and its players and personalities.