Rugby league’s night of nights, the Dally M Awards, is as much about fashion as it is about footy. On Wednesday night, a surprising fashion double-up on the red carpet had everyone talking. NRL star Isaiya Katoa’s glamorous partner, Pani Matai, and NRLW powerhouse Yasmin Clydsdale, 31, both arrived at Sydney’s 2025 Dally M Awards wearing the same $400 plunging sequin maxi dress by designer Jennifer Cupro.
The eye-catching gown, with its daring neckline and figure-skimming silhouette, turned heads for all the right reasons—and perhaps a few awkward ones too. Newcastle Knights star Yasmin opted for the icy-blue version, shimmering under the camera flashes and showcasing her statuesque braless frame. She paired the look with understated accessories and a sleek up-do, allowing the shimmering gown to take center stage.
Meanwhile, Pani chose to crank up the heat in hot pink, posing alongside her Dolphins star partner for a picture-perfect couple’s moment. With her hair styled in a glamorous up-do and subtle makeup highlighting her natural beauty, the WAG certainly brought the glitz factor. Both women looked stunning, but in true red-carpet tradition, the big question remains: who wore it better?
The Fashion Stakes at the Dally M Awards
Yasmin’s understated elegance gave the gown a statuesque, runway feel, while Pani’s playful color choice added a sense of fun and individuality. While it’s not the first time two stars have turned up in the same outfit at the Dally M’s, it may well be one of the boldest. If there was one clear takeaway from the night, it was that rugby league’s leading ladies proved a fashion face-off can be just as headline-grabbing as the action on the field.
The exclusive NRL event always brings out some stunning—and sometimes questionable—style choices. It was no different on Wednesday night when a galaxy of NRL stars and their WAGs stepped out for the 2025 Dally M Awards. The annual ceremony recognizes outstanding performances throughout the 2025 NRL season. It is also somewhat of a fashion show, with the WAGs showing up in their most eye-catching finery.
Historical Parallels and Fashion Insights
While billed as a black-tie event, some fashion-forward attendees often like to throw caution to the wind with their sartorial displays. The exclusive event saw other glamorous women bring their fashion A-game, including Fox Sports presenter Jessica Yates, Sydney Roosters star Isabelle Kelly, and NRL star Tommy Talau’s girlfriend Jessica Sergis. Such moments of fashion déjà vu are not unique to the Dally M’s. In the world of high-profile events, similar dress choices have sparked friendly rivalries and public debates.
“Fashion is about expressing individuality, and sometimes that means two people might choose the same piece to showcase their unique style,” said fashion analyst Emily Clarke.
Indeed, the Dally M red carpet once again reminded us of the golden rule of league’s night of nights: it’s not just about the accolades—it’s about the fashion moments that turn heads, drop jaws, and set group chats alight.
The Broader Implications
As the night drew to a close, discussions about who wore the dress better continued to ripple through social media and post-event gatherings. The incident highlights the ever-evolving relationship between sports and fashion, where athletes and their partners become style icons in their own right. This dynamic is not only a testament to the growing influence of fashion in sports culture but also a reflection of how public figures navigate personal expression in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, the Dally M Awards will continue to be a platform where sports and style intersect, offering both players and partners the opportunity to shine off the field. As for the fashion face-off between Yasmin and Pani, it remains a delightful reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of red-carpet events.
