Electric winger Marika Koroibete has won the battle of the Fijian-born backs to see off Samu Kerevi and claim the John Eales Medal at the Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney.
Koroibete’s stunning form at the Rugby World Cup was enough for him to become the first winger bestowed with the country’s premier player prize, awarded since 2002.
The former Melbourne Storm rugby league star came alive midway through his third season in rugby union, producing a series of scintillating performances.
Long-range tries against Samoa in Sydney and Georgia in Shizuoka were among the most spectacular solo scores of the year while clean breaks were a regular feature during his four appearances at the global tournament.
The 27-year old polled 200 votes from his Wallabies teammates, 50 clear of second-placed Kerevi, the powerhouse Queensland Reds back who was earlier crowned Australian Super Rugby player of the year.
Another Reds midfielder, Jordan Petaia, was named rookie of the year after his highly-promising maiden Test performances at the Rugby World Cup.
Captain and standout No.8 Grace Hamilton was crowned Wallaroos player of the year while the women’s Super W gong went to another back-rower, rising Brumbies star Tayla Stanford.
The men’s sevens prize went to the elusive Maurice Longbottom and the women’s to accomplished playmaker Charlotte Caslick.
Legendary Wallabies halves pairing George Gregan and Stephen Larkham were inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame.
RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS WINNERS
John Eales Medal: Marika Koroibete.
Wallaroos player of the year: Grace Hamilton.
Super Rugby player of the year: Samu Kerevi.
Super W player of the year: Tayla Stanford.
Rookie of the year: Men – Jordan Petaia. Women – Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea.
Sevens player of the year: Men – Maurice Longbottom. Women – Charlotte Caslick.
Junior Wallabies player of the year: Fraser McReight.