LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a glittering ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday night, Kalyn Ponga of the Newcastle Knights was named the winner of the 2023 Dally M Medal, the highest individual honour in Rugby League.
Ponga now joins the elite company of Andrew Johns and Danny Buderus as the third Knights player to claim this prestigious award.
This recognition comes after a remarkable season for Ponga, who led his team back to the finals after finishing 14th in 2022.
Not only did Ponga win the main award, but he also received the Dally M Fullback of the Year title.
In his 20 matches, Ponga showcased his attacking prowess with 21 try assists and 19 line breaks.
The second half of the season saw the Knights win nine games in a row, propelling them to a fifth-place finish.
Ponga's individual statistics were equally impressive, with an average of 145 run metres per game and a total of 96 tackles broken.
His performances thrilled the Knights faithful throughout the season.
This year's Dally M Awards also marked a historic moment for the Knights, as Tamika Upton, the club's No.1, claimed the NRLW Dally M Medal.
This is the first time since the women's competition began in 2018 that the same club has produced winners of both prestigious prizes.
The dual success highlights the exceptional talent and success within the Knights organization.