James Tedesco at centre of Penrith Panthers fan fury over Dally M gong

Penrith Panthers fans have expressed their anger at James Tedesco being named the Dally M fullback of the year, with many of the belief that Dylan Edwards was more deserving.

Tedesco and Edwards both had stellar years for the Roosters and Panthers respectively, with Tedesco steering his team into the finals when it looked like they were in danger of missing out.

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Edwards was also a standout for the Panthers and has helped his side surge into the grand final for the third year running.

However Panthers fans were left fuming on Wednesday night when Tedesco was named the fullback of the year ahead of Edwards.

Both fullbacks finished in the top four of Dally voting, with Tedesco receiving 33 points and Edwards 23.

Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes was the runaway winner with a record 38 points, while Dragons captain Ben Hunt finished third with 32.

Under Dally M rules, the top three vote-getters are automatically included in the team of the year at their position - meaning Tedesco got the nod ahead of Edwards.

Needless to say, Panthers fans weren't particularly impressed that Edwards had missed out.

Others pointed out that Edwards had to contend for votes on a star-studded Panthers side that ran away with the minor premiership, while there wasn't as many superstars in the Roosters side to take votes off Tedesco.

Nicho Hynes wins Dally M medal in record vote tally

Hynes capped off his remarkable first season at Cronulla with a record Dally M haul after claiming the NRL's top gong in dominant fashion.

The Cronulla halfback became the clear star of rugby league's night of nights on Wednesday, finishing on a record 38 points to win the top gong.

Three points behind Hunt at the halfway mark of the season, Hynes stormed home to beat out Tedesco by five points, while Hunt finished third.

In doing so, Hynes joined the likes of Johnathan Thurston as just the fifth player in history to claim the award in his first season at a new club.

"I can hand on heart say I came here not expecting anything at all," he said.

"I can't believe it. It's bloody crazy. I am pinching myself.

"To have this around my neck. I frothed Johnathan Thurston growing up, Andrew Johns. And now I am alongside them. It's unbelievable."

Sydney Roosters star Raecene McGregor claimed her maiden women's Dally M, beating out Tamika Upton and Tarryn Aiken.

Rising Newcastle star Jesse Southwell was named the NRLW rookie of the year, while Sydney Roosters coach John Strange was the top mentor.

Todd Payten claimed the major men's coaching gong, while his second-rower Jeremiah Nanai was the rookie of the year after scoring 17 tries for North Queensland.

Penrith's Isaah Yeo was named captain of the year, headlining three Panthers in the NRL's Dally M team of the year.

Dally M honour role

MEN:

Player of the year: Nicho Hynes

Rookie: Jeremiah Nanai

Captain: Isaah Yeo

TEAM OF THE YEAR:

James Tedesco, Joseph Sua'ali'i, Joseph Manu, Valentine Holmes, Alex Johnston, Cameron Munster, Nicho Hynes, Joseph Tapine, Api Koroisau, Payne Haas, Viliame Kikau, Jeremiah Nanai, Isaah Yeo. Coach: Todd Payten.

WOMEN:

Player of the year: Raecene McGregor

Rookie: Jesse Southwell

Captain: Isabelle Kelly

NRLW TEAM OF THE YEAR:

Sam Bremner, Teagan Berry, Isabeele Kelly, Jessica Sergis, Jaime Champan, Tarryn Aiken, Raecene McGregor, Caitlan Johnston, Keeley Davis, Millie Boyle, Keilee Joseph, Olivia Kernick, Simaima Taufa. Coach: John Strange.

with AAP

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