The Dally M’s has arrived with rugby league’s night of nights set to crown the NRL and NRLW’s players of the year, along with a whole host of other awards that are being handed out.
The NRL is debuting a new Dally M voting system in 2023 which will see final points tallies soar.
Players can receive a maximum of six Dally M points per game - up from three - after the process was overhauled in an effort to clean up some of the issues with the award in the past.
MORE: How Dally M Medal votes are awarded in 2023
In short though, two unnamed judges, from a panel of former players, will watch each match and separately award points on a three-two-one basis, with three points awarded to the player deemed best afield.
Take a look at the full rundown of the new Dally M Medal process here.
Who won the 2023 Dally M Medal?
Kalyn Ponga claimed 12 votes in the final four rounds to pip Shaun Johnson by a single point and win the 2023 Dally M Medal on 56 votes.
It completed a remarkable season for the Newcastle skipper who missed a large chunk of the season after experiencing concussion issues while featuring at five-eighth.
Once the Queenslander returned to the frame after some time away from the game, he was restored to his regular position at fullback.
Ponga then sparked an incredible Newcastle run where they won 10 games in a row to charge from 14th spot on the ladder into the finals.
Relive the 2023 Dally M awards night here.
Dally M Medal leaderboard 2023 result
| Player (Team) | Votes |
| Kalyn Ponga (Knights) | 56 |
| Shaun Johnson (Warriors) | 55 |
| Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)* | 50 |
| Nicho Hynes (Sharks) | 48 |
| Harry Grant (Storm) | 47 |
| Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) | 46 |
| Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors) | 44 |
| Nathan Cleary (Panthers) Dylan Edwards (Panthers) Payne Haas (Broncos | 42 |
For the complete Dally M Medal leaderboard for 2023, click here.
Who was leading the Dally M Medal count after Round 23?
Shaun Johnson has surged into the lead on 51 points after picking up maximum votes in two games, with Scott Drinkwater seven points further back on 44.
Kalyn Ponga's magical run is in full flow with the Newcastle fullback moving up into third on 43 points after a number of eye-catching displays.
Nicho Hynes, Harry Grant and Nathan Cleary - who returned from a hamstring injury - sit inside the top 10.
Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Payne Haas and Reece Walsh are all locked on 37 votes.
Who was leading the Dally M Medal count after Round 18?
Dylan Edwards climbed to the top of the leaderboard on 35 points after putting together an impressive run from Rounds 13-18.
The fullback sits alone at the top, with last year's winner Nicho Hynes hot on his heels with 33 points alongside Shaun Johnson and Scott Drinkwater, who is ineligible for the award.
Ben Hunt and Cody Walker are on 32 points, while Brisbane teammates Payne Haas and Reece Walsh sit on 31 points, although the Broncos No.1 is also ineligible for the award.
Harry Grant and Isaah Yeo round out the top 10, with the two Australian representatives on 29 points.
Round-by-round Dally M Medal points
Round 1: Five players claim maximum points under new system
Round 2: Dolphin takes top spot after shock win
Round 3: Two Broncos rise as Brisbane's undefeated start continues
Round 4: Haas and Fa'asuamaleaui race ahead as three players claim maximum points
Round 5: Grant and Walsh join Haas on top
Round 6: Munster & Edwards soar up the leaderboard whilst Grant leads
Round 7: Broncos duo join Grant in top spot
Round 8: Haas takes top spot, Cleary trails
Round 9: Hynes moves up standings, Brooks rewarded
Round 10: Walker closes in, Haas cements top spot
Round 11: Luai and Ponga earn maximum votes, Haas extends lead
