Dally M Leaderboard Highlights Troubling 119-Point Disparity for Maroons

The Dally M Medal voting has now shifted behind closed doors, revealing a concerning scoreboard for the Maroons after 12 rounds.

Notably, Luke Metcalf and Will Kennedy have emerged as leading candidates for the prestigious award, surprising many with their performances.

While some familiar names remain prominent, the Queensland contingent is disappointingly sparse.

In the current top 10, only two players – Cameron Munster and Jye Gray – represent the Sunshine State, with the remaining eight players all in contention for the Blues.

Our analysis shows that the leading vote-scorers in each position for NSW amount to a total of 286 votes this year.

This figure significantly surpasses the Maroons, who have amassed only 167 votes collectively.

Let’s explore what the potential teams for State of Origin might resemble if solely determined by Dally M votes.

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NSW BLUES

1. Will Kennedy (29)

Demonstrating exceptional form for Cronulla, Kennedy’s chances of selection for Origin seem limited as he is not the only NSW-eligible fullback making waves, with James Tedesco (27) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (20) also delivering standout performances all season.

2. Lehi Hopoate (12)

Switching between wing and fullback, he has even filled in for Tom Trbojevic at times. There’s potential for him to follow in the footsteps of his father, John, and brother, Will, by representing the Blues.

3. Stephen Crichton (11)

A regular pick for the representative squad, his performance for the Bulldogs has been impressive as they vie for the top of the ladder.

4. Latrell Mitchell (10)

Despite facing interruptions from injury and suspension this year, the marquee Rabbitoh has played a key role in several significant victories and has scored well whenever he’s been on the field. His history in Origin guarantees his selection at left centre.

5. Zac Lomax (10)

Also overcoming an interrupted season, he has been strong for the Eels following an off-season move and aims to emulate his successful Origin debut when the series begins on Wednesday night.

6. Fletcher Sharpe (17)

Had a fantastic start to the season as Newcastle’s five-eighth, but the team’s inconsistent performance recently may have dampened his chances. When Newcastle is on point, Sharpe is often at the centre of their success, showcasing his great potential.

7. Luke Metcalf (31)

One of the most surprising stories in the Dally M voting is the Warriors playmaker’s impressive performance, who was under scrutiny after a rough opening in Las Vegas. Metcalf’s agility has turned his season around, placing him ahead of NSW stalwarts Nathan Cleary (15) and Mitchell Moses (11) in the rankings.

8. Terrell May (27)

A significant talking point regarding his Ongoing absence from the Blues, May is sitting hot at fourth on the Dally M leaderboard.

9. Wayde Egan (11)

Often overlooked in discussions around Origin, Egan has been building a solid reputation over the last few seasons with the Warriors. He could very well be a viable option should any issues arise at hooker. Incumbent Reece Robson has gathered seven votes, while another potential NSW hooker, Blayke Brailey, has also collected the same amount.

10. Payne Haas (23)

It’s no shock to see the world’s top prop in the mix for Dally M votes, and the Broncos powerhouse would have undoubtedly been among the first selected in Laurie Daley’s lineup.

11. Hudson Young (15)

He finds himself on the bench for the Origin opener after delivering a career-best performance this season with the Raiders. Young brings a unique flair and tenacity that will undoubtedly benefit the Blues.

12. Haumole Olakau’atu (13)

Though he was named in the wider NSW squad, the Manly back-rower has had a mixed start to 2025. He has displayed dominant performances in patches, but erratic outings have also plagued his club season.

13. Keaon Koloamatangi (17)

He may feel unfortunate to miss out on a Blues spot. His work rate and adaptability have made him a valuable asset for the Bunnies this year, consistently standing out in performances, whether in the back-row or in the middle.

14. Clinton Gutherson (22)

The veteran fullback has been the backbone of the Dragons this season, driving the team to several tightly-fought victories and injecting life into their offensive play. While he has appeared at Origin level in the past, those days might be behind him.

15. Max King (14)

Surprising many, King is set to make his Blues debut in the series opener. He has quietly excelled with Canterbury this season, drawing the attention of selectors.

16. Jacob Preston (12)

With expectations for an Origin call-up dashed by a four-game suspension due to a crusher tackle, Preston remains a strong contender for future representation for his state.

17. Mitchell Barnett (12)

Chosen this year to bolster the front-row for the Blues, Barnett has solidified his role as a reliable leader at the Warriors over the past 18 months, marking a well-deserved selection amidst his unheralded standing in the contemporary game.

QUEENSLAND MAROONS

1. Jye Gray (20)

Beginning the season in exceptional form with South Sydney, Gray has since been moved from his customary fullback position. Once mentioned by Darren Locker as a surprising choice for the Maroons, he now finds himself further down the selection pecking order compared to Kalyn Ponga, who has accumulated 13 Dally M votes this season.

2. Xavier Coates (6)

A sure pick for Queensland, Coates has found himself in a star-studded Storm roster, making it challenging to consistently secure Dally M votes.

3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (9)

Though slow to start, he found his rhythm just in time for the Dolphins as he’s now secured a long-term centre spot at Origin level despite primarily playing at the back for his club.

4. Gehamat Shibasaki (5)

Few could foresee the level of influence the Broncos utility would exert in the initial stages of the season, but unfortunately, he has fallen victim to the team’s recent downturn.

5. Valentine Holmes (6)

Holmes has shown strong performances in the centres for the Dragons and is set to play on the wing for the Origin opener. His capability shines through when he’s performing at his best.

6. Cameron Munster (21)

This year, Munster stands as Melbourne and Queensland’s top player according to Dally M voting and appears eager to make his mark upon returning to the Origin stage.

7. Tom Dearden (19)

Positioned as a bench player for the Maroons, Dearden is poised to take on a utility role while consistently showcasing strong form amidst the Cowboys’ inconsistent season.

8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (16)

Set to make a significant impact for Billy Slater’s squad in the Origin series, Tino has fulfilled his role effectively even as the Titans find themselves near the bottom of the standings.

9. Harry Grant (6)

A lack of playing time this season has likely curtailed his Dally M vote tally. Regardless, he is still regarded as one of the best players in the NRL and is the clear choice for hooker in the Maroons lineup.

10. Corey Horsburgh (11)

One of the most unfortunate omissions for Queensland after an extraordinary start with the Raiders this year, Horsburgh still has the potential to feature at some point in the Origin series if he can temper his fiery play and maintain his good form.

11. Jaydn Su’A (7)

Similar to his teammate above, Su’A must reckon with feelings of disappointment for not being part of the Origin squad in Game One. With the exception of a singular but costly mistake during Magic Round, this tough back-rower has illuminated the field for the Dragons this year.

12. Jeremiah Nanai (5)

Securing a starting position for the Maroons despite earlier club ommissions, Nanai faces tough competition for votes at the Cowboys with contenders like Tom Dearden, Jaxon Purdue, and Scott Drinkwater around.

13. Patrick Carrigan (13)

This year Carrigan has transitioned to playing prop, though most of his career has been at lock, where he will once again operate for Queensland. Despite the Broncos’ recent struggles, he is a solid contributor for Dally M votes.

14. Daly Cherry-Evans (16)

The lingering uncertainty surrounding his contract has been a hot topic this year, sometimes affecting his club form with the Sea Eagles. However, he will inevitably lead the Maroons into this series and has consistently performed well during Manly’s victories.

15. David Fifita (3)

Fifita has struggled for visibility with the Titans this year and faced selection issues, yet he still finds himself among the leading Queensland forwards in vote counting.

16. Francis Molo (2)

Having only joined the Dolphins recently, Molo made a significant impact in their victory against Canterbury, which led to his two Dally M votes so far. He has prior Origin experience but likely sits low on the list regarding front-row selections.

17. Josh Kerr (2)

Kerr has been part of the Maroons’ discussions in the past yet remains under the radar for selection. He’s been pivotal in the Dolphins’ success this season, coming off the bench and providing much-needed energy.