Dual Indigenous and Māori All Star Olivia Kernick has been crowned the 2024 NRLW Dally M Player of the Year.
The Roosters second rower, who could add a premiership medal to her haul for the season on Sunday, held off Parramatta fullback Abbi Church and made a late surge past Titans hooker Lauren Brown to take the honour by two votes at rugby league's night of nights in Sydney on Wednesday.
Māori All Star, Storm half and heavy favourite Jarome Hughes took home the men's Dally M Medal in a nailbiter with Roosters no.1 James Tedesco ahead of his own grand final at the weekend.
Hughes' received a haka from a few of his peers after receiving the award.
Both Hughes and Kernick has earlier been named in the NRL and NRLW teams of the year.
In the women's game, Kernick's 22-point poll from nine rounds made it a back-to-back Indigenous winners of the competition's highest individual honour after Tamika Upton's Dally M ahead of premierships success with her Knights in 2023.
Upton claimed points late in the season to fourth in the 2024 count, polling 19 points.
Kernick jumped into serious contention after six rounds, before taking with lead with one round remaining and holding on following the final games of the home-and-away season.
In accepting the award the 23-year-old said she was "caught off guard" by her top finish, and quickly turned attention to the NRLW's growth.
"I think this year the NRLW has really produced a really good product this year, and I think we've taken the competition to another level. So grateful," she said.
Kernick played every possible minute of gameplay across the Roosters' season.
She credited captain Isabelle Kelly, teammates, coach John Strange and staff her progression as a player.
"I'm really grateful and honored to get this award, and really grateful to the club, the Sydney Roosters, (for) providing me the opportunity," she said.
I really want to thank John Strange. He's really helped me over the last few years and helped me develop as a player on and off the field."
Earlier in the evening, Wiradjuri man Nicho Hynes and Wakaid woman Kimberley Hunt were awarded the Ken Stephen and Veronica White medals for man and woman of the year respectively, in recognition to their contributions on and off the field.
Hynes was recognised for his work with NRL's Diversity and Anti-Racism Program 'One Hear' and MegaJaw programs involving people with disabilities.
Hunt was awarded following efforts with the 'Healthy Deadly Kids, Aboriginal Medical Service and engagement with Indigenous youth.
"Growing up, I witnessed the tireless efforts of strong black men and women who dedicated their lives to uplifting rural and remote communities. Their unwavering commitment to supporting young men and women like myself ignited a fire in me to contribute in my own way," Hunt said on accepting the award.
"During my high school years, I had a mentor who believed in my potential when I didn't, and this experience taught me the impact one person can have on another's life. Seeing young people thrive with the right support motivates me to give back through tutoring and mentoring programs, helping them navigate challenges and realise their dreams.
"I, here, challenge everyone here tonight to continue to listen, learn and share and use your profile as NRL and NRL W players to influence your community to make a positive change."
Hynes also issued his own encouragement to the larger playing cohort, and expressed acknowledgement to community work that goes largely unrecognised.
The NRL grand final between Penrith and Melbourne, and NRLW grand final between the Roosters and Sharks are set for action in Homebush on Sunday.
