It’s been a massive 24 hours for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues after Tom Trbojevic was named the Dally M Medal winner for 2021 while eight other players were recognised for honours at the Dally M Awards and in the RLPA’s Dream Team.
Trbojevic was a runaway winner of the Dally M Medal after polling 35 votes for the season. It was the second-highest total in the history of the award behind former North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston who polled 36 votes in 2007.
Trbojevic was trailed by True Blues Nathan Cleary (30), Cody Walker (29) and James Tedesco (23), with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans also finishing on 23 votes.
“I’ll start off by saying what an honour it is to win this award,” Trbojevic said.
“I was just reading the past winners and to be recognised amongst that list is pretty special. I don’t think it will ever sink in.
“I’ll start my thank yous to the NRL and Queensland government, what they’ve done for the past three months has been incredible.
“To the Manly boys, Dessie and ‘Chez’ (Cherry-Evans), I couldn’t have done it without you. This medal is a beneficiary for all your hard work and effort.
“To the family back home, mum and dad, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years and this medal is on the back of everything you’ve done for me. Without you two I wouldn’t be getting it so a big thank you.”
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues skipper James Tedesco was named the Dally M Captain of the Year while Trbojevic (fullback), Brian To’o (winger), Cody Walker (five-eighth), Nathan Cleary (halfback), Payne Haas (prop) and Isaah Yeo (lock) all featured in the Dally M Team of the Year.
Trbojevic, To’o, Walker, Cleary, Haas and Yeo also featured in the RLPA’s Dream Team for 2021 and were joined by Angus Crichton (backrow).
The RLPA will name the Players’ Champion award, which is voted on by the players, on NRL Grand Final on October 3.
