Dally M Medal be established in rugby league in Australia. The medal was sponsored by Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., a tobacco production company. There were two Rothmans Medals awarded each year: one for the best player in the New South Wales Rugby League, and one for the best player in the Brisbane Rugby League. The voting for the Rothmans Medal was the same basic format as the modern day Dally M, except that the votes were determined by the referees, rather than the media. The two Rothmans Medals were first awarded in 1968, and were awarded each year until 1996. In 1997,
2008 Dally M Awards tally. Some experts called for a change in the rules claiming he deserved the award for being the best player that season despite the suspension but this never eventuated. Team of the Year 2008 Dally M Awards The 2008 Dally M Awards were presented on Tuesday 9 September 2008 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney and broadcast on Fox Sports. Dally M Player of the Year: Matt Orford Player votes tally – Top 10 The Dally M Awards were, as usual, conducted at the close of the regular season and hence do not take games played in the finals series