28 September, 2021
James Fisher-Harris (#801), Brandon Smith (#816) and Isaiah Papali’i (#817) all earned themselves 2021 Dally M Medal Awards last night, cementing themselves as the best NRL players in their respective positions for this season.
Fisher-Harris picked up his second consecutive Dally M Prop of the year, while Smith, Hooker of the Year, and Papali’i, Back Rower of the Year, earned their first-ever Dally M awards.
James Fisher-Harris continued his influential performances in the NRL, backing up last season with another strong year that included 154 metres per game and just under 100 post-contact metres. The Whangarei Marist junior has become one of the most consistent forwards in the game, and his tireless efforts on both attack and defence saw him rewarded with his second grand final berth in two years.
Waiheke Rams, Brandon Smith has transformed himself into a household name with his performances in the Melbourne Jersey this season. Taking the baton off of Cameron Smith, Brandon was exceptional for the Storm scoring 11 tries and setting up ten from dummy-half. His attacking instincts and controlled aggression gave Melbourne an excellent foundation in games and helped them to their 19-game win streak and Preliminary finals berth.
Kiwi #817 Isaiah Papali’i began to fill the potential and put the pieces of his game together. Dominant whether starting or coming off the Parramatta bench, Papali’i had a career year at his new club. Papali’I was among the top tacklers and post-contact metre earners in a strong season for Parramatta. He was also awarded the VB Hardest Working Player of the Year award, combining his talent and work ethic in what was a break-out season for the Te Atatu junior.
Congratulations also to Kiwis Joseph Manu (#815), Jahrome Hughes (#819), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (#755) and Sitili Tupounuia, who were nominated for awards.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS.
Dally M – Tom Trbejovic
Fullback – Tom Trbejovic
Wing – Brian To’o
Centre – Justin Olam
Centre – Matt Burton
Wing – Reuben Garrick
Five Eight – Cody Walker
Halfback – Nathan Cleary
Prop – James Fisher-Harris
Hooker – Brandon Smith
Prop – Payne Haas
Second Row – Isaiah Papali’i
Second Row – Viliame Kikau
Lock – Isaah Yeo
Coach – Craig Bellamy
Rookie of the year – Sam Walker
Captain of the year – James Tedesco
Top Points Scorer – Reuben Garrick
Top Try Scorer – Alex Johnston
Peter Frillingos Headline Moment – Melbourne Storm 19-match winning streak
Provan Summons – Josh Morris
Try of the Year – Tom Trbejovic
Tackle of the Year – Xavier Coates
Hardest Working Player of the Year – Isaiah Papali’I
