29 Sep 2016

Taumalolo and Cronk win Dally M

6:11 am on 29 September 2016

Jason Taumalolo and Cooper Cronk have tied to win the Dally M Medal, each recording 26 points during the National Rugby League season.

Jason Taumalolo in action for the Kiwis

Kiwis lock Jason Taumalolo in action Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The North Queensland Cowboys lock and Melbourne Storm half-back headed into the final round of counting level on 26 points, but neither managed to poll, meaning the league's top honour was shared for the second time in three years.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston followed in equal third on 22 points.

Kiwi's star Taumalolo said he was happy to share the award with Cronk, but was modest when talking about his own outstanding season.

"I don't think I changed compared to last year, just run harder," he said.

"That's my gameplan heading into every game and I don't think that'll change for years."

Taumalolo is just the second Kiwis player to win the Dally M, after Gary Freeman in 1992.

Cronk, 32, has now won the Dally M for the second time after topping the league in 2013.

He joins a rare group of players to wear the medallion on more than one occasion, joining Peter Sterling, Mick Potter, Cliff Lyons, Andrew Johns, Gavin Miller, Thurston and Jarryd Hayne.

Dally M winners' list

Full-back of the year: James Tedesco

Winger: Josh Mansour

Centre: Joey Leilua

Five-eighth: James Maloney

Half-back: Cooper Cronk

Lock: Jason Taumalolo

Second-rower: Matt Gillett

Prop: Jesse Bromwich

Hooker: Cameron Smith

Coach: Ricky Stuart

Captain: Jarrod Croker

Representative: Cameron Smith

Female player: Kezie Apps

Moment of the year: Anthony Milford field goal (Rd 4, Broncos vs Cowboys)

Provan Summons medal: Jarrod Croker

Ken Stephen medal: Joel Thompson

Rookie: Ash Taylor

NYC player: Jayden Brailey