'Staggering and deserved': How Tedesco marched to Dally M glory

With anonymous voters and up to six points available per game, predicting the Dally M awards can be unpredictable.

Rugby league's prestigious night often witnesses shocking outcomes, but as the countdown commenced on Wednesday night, it became evident that this year's results would follow the expected path.

James Tedesco's journey to his second Dally M medal was not just competitive; it resembled a grand procession, akin to a Roman triumph for the former Italian international.

After two consecutive years finishing just a point behind, Tedesco secured the award, surpassing Nathan Cleary by a notable 22 votes.

His victory was both staggering and well-deserved. Tedesco was the clear favorite going into the event and left the night victorious, having reclaimed his position at the pinnacle of a sport that once seemed poised to eclipse him.

It was not a personal battle; rather, time always progresses, and eventually, everyone faces shifting roles in the sport.

Now at 32, on the brink of his 300th NRL game and playing one of the game's most physically demanding positions, Tedesco should be expected to slow down.

Typically, the accumulated toll of countless runs, tackle breaks, and intense games should lead to a decline, yet Tedesco's career resurgence continues unimpeded.