Nicho Hynes has proven his status as the NRL’s premier buy for 2022, joining Johnathan Thurston in an exclusive group of players to win a Dally M in his maiden season at a club.

Hynes on Wednesday night became the clear star at rugby league’s night of nights, with the Cronulla halfback claiming the game’s top gong with two rounds to play.

After trailing Ben Hunt by three points when voting went behind closed doors following round 12, Hynes collected three votes in five of his last 11 games to win the award.

It helped him sit ahead of James Tedesco in second, while Hunt was third.

Congratulations on an incredible season, Nicho! 🦈#DallyM pic.twitter.com/Mb4TroxevC

— NRL (@NRL) September 28, 2022

“I can hand on heart say I came here not expecting anything at all.

“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.

What a TEAM! 💥#DallyM pic.twitter.com/3WWv3h7QAu

— NRL (@NRL) September 28, 2022

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.

Your #DallyM Medalist for 2022 – Raecene McGregor 🐓🏆 pic.twitter.com/YHgmHaVoc2

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) September 28, 2022

Hynes was also awarded the Provan Summons spirit of NRL award for his work in raising awareness for mental health.

But it is the top gong he will remember most, given it was his first season as a full-time starter.

The Dally M medal win was a first for both players. Photo: AAP

Making his name as Ryan Papenhuyzen’s replacement last year when the Melbourne fullback went down with injury, Hynes was an instant star for Storm.

A playmaker as a junior, Craig Fitzgibbon placed his faith in the 26-year-old as one of his first signings to lead the Sharks into the next era as No.7.

Mitchell Moses gets PHYSICAL with the Tackle of the Year! 😤 pic.twitter.com/0xpQ6DjpIO

— NRL (@NRL) September 28, 2022

He was instantly rewarded with Hynes setting up 26 tries in a stellar season and becoming the first Shark to win the award since Preston Campbell in 2001.

In claiming the award, Hynes joined Todd Carney (2010), Johnathan Thurston (2005), Gary Freeman (1992) and Steve Morris (1979) as the only players to have won the medal in their first season at a club.

Your #DallyM Team of the Year 🏆 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SvZRqse44f

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) September 28, 2022

And he did it all with his mother as his date for the night, admitting she had almost brought him to tears.

“I almost had a little tear come down (during my speech). We have been through a hell of a lot,” he said.

“Everything I do is for her, and obviously my dad too … But mum has had a tougher life.

“To bring her with me and see her smile.

“I saw her (getting emotional), but I couldn’t keep looking otherwise I would have got too emotional.”

Thigh-high cuts were in: Dragons’ Ben Hunt with partner Bridget. Photo: AAP

Hot pink was a popular choice: Regan Stephens, partner of Lachlan Ilias. Photo: AAP

Winners

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

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.

-AAP