Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo has been named the 2022 NRL Dally M Captain of the Year following his strong on and off-field contributions for the Panthers this year.

One of the most consistent players in the competition, Yeo has played a total of 22 games for the Panthers this year, averaging 140 running metres and close to 40 tackles per game as Ivan Cleary’s side prepare for their third straight Grand Final appearance.

The Dally M Lock of the Year in 2020 and 2021, Yeo’s unassuming nature has been pivotal in the Panthers’ success throughout the regular season with the 2021 champions losing just three matches in which the St Johns Dubbo junior has been present this year.

“I’ve been at this club since I was 17 and worked my way through the grades, so I’m very proud of this club,” Yeo said ahead of the Panthers’ Grand Final media conference this week.

To be leading this side with Nathan is something I never take for granted.

Panthers captain Isaah Yeo

“As a captain of this club, I just always want to be leading by example — on and off the field — and I think the position has definitely helped me grow as a footballer and a leader in the last few years.”

Yeo is the first Panthers player to win the Dally M Captain of the Year Award in the Premiership era, finishing ahead of finalists Ben Hunt, James Tedesco and Chad Townsend for this year’s award.