Nathan Cleary collected his second Brad Fittler Medal on Monday night for his inspirational efforts during NSW’s come-from-behind Origin series victory.
After watching his younger brother Jett make his NRL debut for the Warriors on Sunday, Cleary’s celebrations continued back in Sydney, where he was joined by some of the biggest stars in the game, as well as coach Laurie Daley and his successor as Blues coach, Matt King.
The Penrith halfback won his first Brad Fittler Medal, awarded to NSW’s player of the series, in 2020. This year’s gong could well turn out to be the second leg of a medal treble after Cleary was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for the best player from either state during NSW’s 2-1 series triumph.
Cleary is also a leading contender for the Dally M, the winner of which is named in grand final week. If all goes to plan, a fifth premiership with the Panthers could even follow.
James Tedesco achieved that feat in his all-conquering 2019 season, when he steered the Blues to Origin glory, won the Wally Lewis, Dally M, and helped the Roosters to the premiership.
Back-rower Yasmin Meakes was named NSW’s Women’s Origin Player of the Series.
After a match-winning performance in game one, Cleary produced one of his worst defensive efforst in the second half of the game-two loss in Melbourne, but bounced back to deliver a phenomenal display in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
The winners …
2026 BRAD FITTLER MEDAL AWARD WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal (presented by Westpac): Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award (presented by Westpac): Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award: Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
NSW Blues Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year (presented by Westpac): Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)
NSW Blues Women’s Award (presented by Westpac): Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match (presented by GIO): Diesel Hagan (Newcastle Knights)
NSW Under 19s Women’s State of Origin Player of the Match (presented by Westpac): Anastasia Leatupue (Sydney Roosters)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year (presented by Transport for NSW): Jaxen Edgar (Penrith Panthers)
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Charley Lahmert (Newcastle Knights)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Eden Hodges (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year (presented by Leagues Clubs Australia): Joe Lovodua (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Ryan Jeffery (Mounties)
Men’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Luke Huth (Newcastle Rebels)
Women’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Jayda Cohen (Northern Tigers)
Tom Nelson Medal for SLE Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year: Cohen Aitken (Northern Rivers Titans)
Ron Lanesbury Medal for SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year: Joel Trevethan (Monaro Colts)
Grade Referee of the Year (presented by McDonald’s): Kieren Irons
Junior Representative Referee of the Year (presented by McDonald’s): Liam O’Brien
Ray Stellar Club Person of the Year (presented by Hyundai): Nyke “Aaron” Zammit (Glebe Dirty Reds) and Mark Madden (North Sydney Bears)
Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award (presented by Westpac): Kevin Whitford (Milton Ulladulla)
The 28-year-old finished the series with three tries, three try assists, two line breaks, five tackle busts and 60 average running metres.
Speaking in the sheds after the Origin III win, Cleary said: “This is really nice, I’ll enjoy this moment with such a special group, but it doesn’t mean anything really. I want to keep getting better and keep going.
“What drives me every day is to get the most out of my potential.
“As I said, rugby league is a game you never complete, there are always areas you can get better at, always games you play bad, then you play good, it’s up and down. It keeps bringing us back. I’ll keep riding that journey.”
Back-rower Hudson Young collected his first True Blue Award, awarded to the player who embodies the team’s core values of trust, resilience, and culture.
The Canberra hitman had a strong series after scoring two tries, running for an average of 117 metres and bending his back for 115 tackles.
Meakes was equally as impressive for the womens’ team during their historic 3-0 series clean sweep.
She played every minute of all three games, made five tackle busts, five offloads, ran for 69m, and made 79 tackles including a try-saver in Game One in Newcastle.
The Brad Fittler Medal was first presented in 2005, with winners including King (2005), Steve Menzies (2006), Danny Buderus (2008), Paul Gallen (2011), James Tedesco (2018-19, 22), Tom Trbojevic (2021), and Brian To’o (2023, 2025).
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