For just the second time, two players have tied for the Dally M. The Storm’s Cooper Cronk and North Queensland’s Jason Taumalolo walked away joint winners at rugby league’s night-of-nights.

Laura Rowan reports.

TRANSCRIPT

With glitz, glamour, they arrived in style at the Star Casino. Pink proved popular for the ladies and as usual the men …

Matt Moylan: “Who are you wearing tonight? Um yeah… just a black suit. I don’t know.”

Inside it was down to business and a repeat of what happened two years ago.

Twenty-three-year-old Jason Taumalolo and halfback Cooper Crook faced off in a dead heat. Both happy to share the honour.

Jason Taumalolo: “Coops has been amazing, to be ale to share this experience with him is truly humbling.”

Cooper Cronk: “It’s special to win it, but to win it with a star of the future, for a long period of time, is a pretty special moment for both of us.”

Adding another to his trophy cabinet, Cooper Cronk edged out Cowboy’s star Jonathon Thurston as best halfback of the season.

Also making the final cut Brisbane Bronco’s Matt Gillett recognised as best second rower in the league.

But it wasn’t all about the boys…

New South Wales player Kezzie Apps won the women’s Dally M award.

Kezzie Apps: “It means so much to me and all the girls just to be a part of this and I was so blown away to get the nomination and to be standing up here receiving the award.”

Cooper Cronk’s partner, Fox Presenter Tara Rushton stunned in a conservative white number.

And Jason Taumalolo’s girlfriend Liana also went white in a gown made close to home by dressmakers in Townsville.

The awards come ahead of the Grand Final decider this weekend when Melbourne Storm will clash with Cronulla Sharks.

Laura Rowan, QUT News.