Knights’ clean sweep as Ponga and Upton crowned Dally M Medallists

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has been crowned the 2023 Dally M Medallist, capping off a sensational season in Newcastle.

Tamika Upton also won the NRLW Dally M Medal of the Year, capping off a stellar night for Newcastle fullbacks.

Ponga, 25, overcome a concussion scare after an ugly head knock against the Tigers in Round 2.

There were even fears he would have to hang up the boots prematurely, but upon his return to the NRL he was in scintillating form and was the catalyst for the Knights’ finals charge.

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Ponga finished on 56 votes, and was chasing Shaun Johnson by eight points after Round 23, clawing back the lead in the final round.

He joins Immortal Andrew Johns (1998, 1999, 2002) and Danny Buderus (2004) on Newcastle’s Dally M honour roll.

The Knights star took his mother to the ceremony and was clearly emotional when presented with his first Dally M Medal.

“It’s a pretty crazy feeling standing up here in front of so much talent, there’s so much talent in this league and to be standing in front of them I feel very luck, humbled and honoured,”

“I have a lot of people to thank, my family, the coaching staff and my teammates. Without you this isn’t possible.

“And the way I felt and played this year isn’t possible without your support, love and belief in me.

“I had an early season holiday and while I was over there I decided I wanted to stop letting people down and start making people proud and I think I came back and did that.

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“Yeah, what a year. To the boys who are playing this weekend, I’m envious of you and all the best. Thank you everyone.”

Meanwhile, Upton hailed her team’s efforts this year, bouncing back after losing several big-name players including Jakiya Whitfeld and Millie Boyle.

“Have a fair few people to thank for this, this is definitely not an individual award,” Upton said.

“I’ll start with the Newcastle club, I think the moment I stepped foot there I’ve been supported by the staff and everyone involved.

“That spreads to my teammates, I’m pretty lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing staff and people. I’m really privileged to be a part of that club.

“As well as the Broncos girl, started my career there. So I’m very appreciative of that club as well.

“My family back home, I know they are supporting me back home, it’s pretty tough living away from home to be honest.

“But I need to send a special shout-out to the Southwell family too, having a home away from home is very special.

“But family and friends back home, they have always supported me so I can feel the love. Thank you very much.”