Nathan Cleary is one step closer to achieving a remarkable individual clean sweep in league after winning his second Brad Fittler Medal.
On Monday night, Cleary was acknowledged as NSW's top player during their 2-1 State of Origin series victory, following a stellar performance that silenced his detractors.
The halfback from Penrith also received the people's choice award, securing over 50 percent of the fan vote for NSW's most valuable player this year.
In an emotional moment, Yasmin Meakes was honored as NSW's best player in the women's 3-0 series triumph, reinforcing her 2024 accolade.
After being awarded the esteemed Brad Fittler Medal in front of 600 attendees at The Star, Cleary is a month away from the potential of a flawless season.
The 28-year-old previously claimed the Wally Lewis Medal as this year's best player in the Origin series, as selected by Australia's Test selectors.
He was also leading in the Dally M Medal race before votes were sealed in round 12 and is favored to win it for the first time.
Penrith is poised to aim for their fifth premiership in six years in the next five weeks, which would present Cleary with an opportunity for a third Clive Churchill Medal for best player in the grand final.
In 2019, James Tedesco nearly achieved the same feat, winning the Wally Lewis Medal, Brad Fittler Medal, Dally M Medal, and a premiership with the Sydney Roosters, yet he missed out on the Clive Churchill despite scoring the match-winning try against Canberra.
Cleary earned his Brad Fittler Medal after scoring three tries and assisting three more in this year's Origin series, with a defining performance in the final match.
"It was definitely a rollercoaster of a series," Cleary remarked.
"The first game was pretty epic, the second a disaster and the third a dream come true. I still have to pinch myself and it's lifelong memories you never forget."
Cleary and NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden honored departing coach Laurie Daley, who faced considerable scrutiny during the series.
"Loz has made a massive contribution to the organization as a captain and coach. He's never had a more challenging time than he has this year," Trodden stated on stage.
"He absorbed all the ridiculous criticism that came his way this year and protected his team from it. He did it in the Daley way, with dignity and humility. It was a lesson in leadership for all to take note of, particularly those who were responsible for the unfair criticism he faced."
Meakes was recognized as the best player throughout the Blues' 3-0 series victory, also receiving the Katrina Fanning Medal for player of the series.
A tearful Meakes accepted the award after experiencing a tough few months, having lost her mother in July and suffering a ruptured ACL in round three of the NRLW.
"It's probably been one of the hardest months of my life after Origin," Meakes shared.
"I am super lucky these girls aren't just football mates; they are best friends I get to play with every week. And when some of the toughest days of my life have been coming, they all show up."