Rugby league’s night of nights is as much about fashion as it is about footy, and on Wednesday night, a surprising double-up on the Dally M 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 frock—a $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, which shimmered under the camera flashes and highlighted 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 Red Carpet Traditions
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. 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.
Historically, the Dally M Awards have been a platform for bold fashion statements. In previous years, the event has seen everything from avant-garde designs to classic elegance, reflecting the diverse personalities of the league’s stars and their partners. This year’s double dress incident adds to a long list of memorable fashion moments, illustrating the ever-evolving nature of red carpet style.
Expert Opinions and Future Implications
Fashion experts suggest that such incidents, while potentially awkward, can also be seen as a celebration of a designer’s work. “When two high-profile individuals choose the same dress, it underscores the appeal and versatility of the design,” noted fashion analyst Lisa Carter. “It becomes a talking point, which is exactly what fashion is about—creating conversations.”
Looking forward, the double dress drama at the Dally M Awards may influence future red carpet strategies, with stylists perhaps opting for more exclusive or custom designs to avoid such overlaps. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that fashion brings to major events.
As the dust settles on this year’s Dally M Awards, one thing is clear: the intersection of sport and fashion continues to captivate audiences, proving that what happens off the field can be just as thrilling as the game itself.
