The first virtual Dally M Medal ceremony looked set for a Cleary sweep until Nathan was pipped at the post by Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton for the player-of-the year award.

The Penrith halfback has steered the team to 17-straight NRL wins on the march to Sunday's grand final, but it was the mastermind of those victories who got the credit.

Father Ivan was named coach of the year for the stunning streak that has given the club its first grand final appearance in 17 years.

Just last season the Panthers finished 10th and were watching the finals from their couches at home, but in the space of a season have turned the culture around.

Spearheaded by Cleary, the Panthers are on the verge of an NRL premiership after a record-breaking season.

A win on Sunday will make it 18 straight wins - the most in NRL history.

It's Cleary's second coach of the year award after winning it in 2014, when he led the Panthers to an unlikely preliminary finals finish.

Australian Associated Press