Cleary was on Monday night voted NSW's best in their 2-1 State of Origin series victory, months after he silenced his critics by dominating the arena.
The Penrith halfback was also handed the people's choice award, after gaining more than 50 per cent of the fan vote for NSW's most valuable player this year.
It came as an emotional Yasmin Meakes was named NSW's best player in the women's 3-0 whitewash, with the Newcastle second-rower backing up her 2024 gong.
After being handed the prestigious Brad Fittler Medal in front of 600 guests at The Star, Cleary is now one month away from possibly completing a perfect season.
The 28-year-old has already taken home the Wally Lewis Medal when judged the best player in Origin this year by Australia's Test selectors.
He was also the runaway leader in the Dally M Medal count when votes went behind closed doors in round 12, and is heavily tipped to win it for the first time.
Penrith are well positioned to push for their fifth premiership in six years over the next five weeks, which would give Cleary the chance of a third Clive Churchill Medal for best player in the grand final.
James Tedesco almost did it all in 2019, including the Wally Lewis Medal, Brad Fittler Medal and Dally M Medal and a premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
But while he scored the match-winning try against Canberra to help his side go back-to-back, the fullback missed out on the Clive Churchill.
Cleary's Brad Fittler Medal came after he scored three tries and set up three more in this year's Origin series, turning game one on its head late on before owning the decider.
"It was definitely a rollercoaster of a series," Cleary said.
"The first game was pretty epic, the second a disaster and the third a dream come true. I still have to pinch myself and it's lifelong memories you never forget."
Cleary and NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden also led tributes to outgoing coach Laurie Daley, who was heavily scrutinised during the Blues' series win.
"Loz has made a massive contribution to our organisation as a captain and coach. He's never had a more challenging time than he has this year," Trodden said on stage.
"He absorbed all the ridiculous criticism that came his way this year, and protected his team from it.
"He did it in the Daley way, with dignity and humility.
"It was a lesson in leadership for all to take note of, particularly those who were responsible in the unfair criticism he faced."
Meakes was NSW's best across the Blues' 3-0 series triumph, where she also won the Katrina Fanning Medal for player of the series.
A teary Meakes received the prize after a difficult few months, after the 32-year-old lost her mother in July and then suffered a ruptured ACL in round three of the NRLW.
"It's probably been one of the hardest months of my life after Origin," Meakes said.
"I am super lucky these girls aren't just football mates, they are best friends I get to play with every week.
"And when some of the toughest days of my life have been coming, they all show up."
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