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Nathan Cleary and Herbie Farnworth headline the NRL Team of the Year, with players from Penrith, the Warriors, Roosters, and Dolphins occupying ten of thirteen spots. Dally Medal winner Cleary partners Braydon Trindall at five-eighth, while Herbie Farnworth and Robert Toia anchor the centres.
Players from top four sides Penrith, Warriors, Roosters and Dolphins made up 10 of the 13 positions, with the Panthers and NZ earning three spots each.
Get the expert take on NRL Grand Final Day with FOX LEAGUE’s extensive coverage, plus full and mini replays available post-game on Kayo Sports |WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Maiden Dally M medal winner Nathan Cleary was named halfback alongside Sharks gun Braydon Trindall at five-eighth while Cleary’s Panthers teammate Dylan Edwards beat out James Tedesco at fullback.
Selwyn Cobbo won one of the hotly-contest wing spots, rewarded for his standout first season at the Dolphins which was capped off with a new contract earlier this year. Cobbo was widely expected to be one of the wingers to have their name read out on Wednesday night, but the other strong favourite Mark Nawaqanitawase was left out despite his electric play for the Roosters.
Instead, it was Penrith’s much-improved aerial weapon Tom Jenkins – who shared the top try scorer award with Alex Johnston – on the other wing. There weren’t any surprises in the centres though with Dolphins superstar Herbie Farnworth only gaining more power at the negotiating table as he eyes a new contract, while Roosters gun and Queensland representative Robert Toia was the other centre selected in the team of the year.
Moving onto the forward pack, Naufahu Whyte capped off a breakout season for the Roosters by being named prop of the year alongside the Warriors’ inspirational leader James Fisher-Harris with teammate Wayde Egan judged the best hooker of 2026. There was another Warrior rounding out the pack with the once underrated Erin Clark now well and truly in the spotlight after beating out Penrith’s Isaah Yeo for lock of the year.
Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu was named one of the second rowers of the year along with Dragons gun Hamish Stewart as the Red V look to build around their young forward pack in 2027. Meanwhile, Tamika Upton added another Fullback of the Year to her mantelpiece in addition to her second Dally M Player of the Year award. Upton’s Broncos teammate Julia Robinson also made the team of the year while minor premiers the Roosters were represented by six players.
Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly went to another level in 2026 and were named centres of the year, with Brydie Parker rounding out the backline on the wing. Millie Elliott, Keely Nizza and Olivia Kernick were the other Roosters to make the team of the year, while surprise packets the Tigers and Titans were also well represented.
Crosscode superstar Teagan Levi was crowned five-eighth of the year with teammate Evania Isa’ako named in the second row while Tigers forwards Shaylee Bent and Sarah Togatuki also made the side.
NRL Team Of The Year Dally Medals Nathan Cleary Herbie Farnworth
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