The NRL has overhauled the Dally M Awards ceremony in the wake of the COVID-19 restrictions around the country.
With players spread around the nation, including those in Queensland whose teams remain in contention for the NRL premiership, the traditional awards ceremony would have been impossible to host.
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Instead, two special events will culminate in an awards ceremony on Monday, September 27, where the winner of the Dally M Medal will be announced, along with other major awards such as the Team of the Year.
A week earlier, a made-for-TV event will crown a number of award winners, providing greater spotlight for the supporting awards, which are traditionally overshadowed by the Dally M Medal itself.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the two events would provide the game with a unique opportunity to celebrate the best performances in 2021.
“The Dally M Awards showcase the exceptional performances of the season and this year we can celebrate the achievements of our players and officials across two events,” he said.
“With the entire competition relocated to Queensland in 2021, it was important to think differently for our awards this year.
“We have a new format and the first ever Dally M event in Queensland, ahead of the first ever grand final in Brisbane.
“The new format will allow some players and guests in Brisbane to experience the gala evening in person while Fox Sports will ensure a state-of-the art experience for players and officials who have returned home.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hosting the Dally M Awards in Brisbane was a great coup for Queensland.
“Thousands of viewers tune in to the Dally Ms each and every year. Hosting these awards here in Brisbane will generate great exposure for Queensland,” she said.
“This is only possible thanks to the way Queenslanders have responded to the pandemic.
“We’ll continue to work hard to secure major events that support local jobs and help businesses to build back better.”
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