Pacific stars shine right throughout 2026 Dally M Awards in Sydney

Sāmoan winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala has capped a breakthrough NRLW season by taking out Rookie of the Year at the 2026 Dally M Awards.

The 20-year-old Newcastle Knights star scored 14 tries in 13 games but says her greatest honour is still to come when she pulls on the Fetu Sāmoa jersey at the Rugby League World Cup this month.

“I’ll be playing for Samoa, representing my people and my culture,” Taulelei-Siala said on stage after receiving her award. “Not a better honour than that.”

The former Marsden State High School student also credited the Knights’ leadership and her teammates for helping her make the transition from schoolgirl rugby league into first grade.

“I had the best captain [Yasmin Meakes],” Taulelei-Siala said. “She made it easier for me, had the best teammates ever. It made my transition coming straight out of school… back into playing first grade, they made it so much easier for me.”

Taulelei-Siala was one of several Pacific players recognised across the women’s awards in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Warriors captain Apii Nicholls, of Cook Islands heritage, received the NRLW Provan-Summons Award after leading a haka for Brisbane Broncos player Ali Brigginshaw in their final regular-season match.

Raiders player Mackenzie Wiki, daughter of Kiwis legend Ruben Wiki, took out NRLW Try of the Year while Papua New Guinea’s Essay Banu was recognised for Tackle of the Year.

The Pacific presence was just as strong in the men’s awards. Redcliffe Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako, of Sāmoan and Tokelauan heritage, won the NRL Leading Pointscorer award after finishing the season with 310 points.

Jamayne Isaako finishes his time with the Dolphins before joining the Melbourne Storm on a two-year deal. Photo/Jason O'Brien/Photosport.

That surpassed the 278 points he scored last year, which had been his own record.

“It’s a very proud achievement,” Isaako said in an NRL interview. “To be here again… the top point-scoring award is a great achievement, and just very proud.”

Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston was named Leading Tryscorer, while Warriors utility Taine Tuaupiki claimed Tackle of the Year.

The Pacific presence continued in the Dally M Teams of the Year, with Manly Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau’atu named at second row alongside Roosters centre Rob Toia and prop Naufahu Whyte.

Warriors forward Erin Clark was also selected in the men’s team.

Speaking to NRL media, Clark says “It’s always special to be thought about as the top players in the place and to be surrounded by such potential and great players, it’s pretty special.”

The women’s team also featured Pacific talent with Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki and Gold Coast Titans second-rower Evania Isa’ako selected.

The awards cap a season in which Pacific players featured prominently across the NRL and NRLW, with several now turning their attention to this weekend’s NRL Grand Final in Sydney between the Knights and Roosters and the Rugby League World Cup from 15 October to 15 November.

Co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, the RLWC tournament features men's, women's, and wheelchair competitions.

For more information on the 2026 Dally M awards, click here to view the full list of winners.