IT’S a record older than the winner.

For 26 years the Dally M medal hadn’t been won by a forward, other than a No. 9, but on Wednesday night, Jason Taumalolo broke the drought.

The 23-year-old Cowboys sensation was crowned dual Dally M medal winner with Cooper Cronk, capping off an incredible season for the Kiwi international.

What’s even more remarkable is the last out and out forward to win the award was Gavin Miller in 1989. The Cronulla legend also claimed the gong in 1988.

Round 20

“The game changes and evolves and the other thing is forwards probably don’t spend as much time on the field, so that probably makes his achievement even more special,” said Cronk of his fellow winner’s hoodoo busting win.

Cooper Cronk of the Melbourne Storm and Jason Taumalolo of the North Queensland Cowboys pose after being announced joint winners of the 2016 Dally M Medal. Source: Getty Images

“I play 80 minutes, I’m out there a bit longer but he must have really impressed in the time he has. Throughout the year his minutes have probably got more and more as the reliance on him in the team has grown.

“Guys are getting physically fitter, physically stronger and with his size and pyshical attributes he can play more minutes.

“He deserves this. Anyone who stands on this stage deserves the medal because they’ve had a fantastic year.”

North Queensland Cowboys NRL player Jason Taumalolo and Liana LaRiva at the Dally M. Source: AAP

Cameron Smith and Danny Buderus have picked up the prize in recent years but they are no. 9’s.

Since the late 1990s, the game has evolved to a point where the spine has dominated.

Taumalolo is an exception to this trend.

Just a fortnight ago, the blockbusting lock was anointed the NRL’s best player by his peers taking out the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) Players Champion.

Few were talking up his chances before the votes were revealed.

Taumalolo, a New Zealander, has been linked to the NFL with reports that three clubs have been monitoring his progress.

He played down questions on that on Wednesday night but he brings obvious assets with his 110kg frame and explosive ability.

He said he wasn’t aware of the long wait for a forward winner.

“I wasn’t too worried about the award coming in,” he said. “I thought Smithy, Coops and Josh Hodgson were outstanding and I came in thinking that I would be there but didn’t think I would quite get there.

“I don’t think anyone knows how special this is for me.”