Emma Tonegato and Millie Boyle have been crowned joint winners of the NRLW’s Dally M Medal, the highest honour for any player in the sport.
The joint win marks the first time in the NRLW there have been dual winners of the Dally M Player of the Year.
Tonegato is the fullback for St George Illawarra Dragons, and is set to play in the NRLW grand final on Sunday, when her team takes on the Sydney Roosters.
Boyle is a forward for the Brisbane Broncos, and became the second Brisbane player to take out the Dally M, following Ali Brigginshaw in 2020.
Tonegato also won the ‘tackle of the year’ award for her chase down of Roosters winger Jess Sergis in round five.
“I truly am honour to get this award, it really is something special and to share it with Millie is a really good achievement,’ Tonegato said.
Boyle said she didn’t expect to win the award at all.
“Emma played such an amazing season and it’s really exciting to watch her in a grand final, coming back to rugby league from rugby sevens, after coming from league,” Boyle said.
“It’s exciting to see what she’s done for her team and honoured to be alongside her.”
Gold Coast Titans captain Brittany Breayley-Nati was named captain of the year, and Shaniah Power from the Titans won try of the year.
“Both Emma and Millie have been standouts this season and should be congratulated on this honour, becoming the first ever dual winners of the Dally M Female Player of the Year award – in a season of firsts,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“But I need to congratulate all the players this season. The standard of competition has been incredible – there’s been 18% more tries, a 59% increase in lead changes and ratings have grown substantially.”
Full list of award winners:
Dally M Female Player of the Year – Emma Tonegato (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Millie Boyle (Brisbane Broncos)
Captain of the Year – Brittany Breayley-Nati (Gold Coast Titans)
Coach of the Year – Jamie Soward (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Try of the Year – Shaniah Power (Gold Coast Titans)
Tackle of the Year – Emma Tonegato (St George Illawarra Dragons)