Dally M Medal Dally M Medal The Dally M Medal is awarded each year (annually) to the player voted for as the 'Player of the year' over the entire National Rugby League (NRL) regular season. The awards are named in honour of former Australian rugby league great Herbert Henry "Dally" Messenger. The award has existed since 1979, but has only been adopted as the official award for the Player of the Year in the NRL since 1998. Prior to that the official Player of the Year, in both the New South Wales and the Brisbane Rugby Leagues, received the Rothmans Medal whilst the
Laureus Spirit of Sport Award gave the keynote speech. The recipient is presented with a Laureus statuette, created by Cartier, at an annual awards ceremony held in various locations around the world. Although the Laureus Awards ceremony is held annually, the Spirit of Sport Award is not necessarily presented every time; it is one of a number of discretionary awards that can be given by the Laureus World Sports Academy. Since its establishment, no award has been made four times, in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. The inaugural winner of the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award in 2005 was the American baseball team Boston Red