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Genia wins second Pilecki Medal

Roar Guru
20th August, 2011
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Scheming Wallabies halfback Will Genia has capped a superb domestic season by taking out his second consecutive Pilecki Medal as Queensland Reds player of the year.

Genia won the major award at the Reds gala presentation dinner on Saturday night to go along with the Australian Super Rugby player of 2011 gong he received last month.

The 23-year-old Queensland vice-captain received 263 points on a 3-2-1 voting process from players involved in each match of the Reds 18 matches, beating home flanker Scott Higginbotham (217) and flyhalf Quade Cooper (206).

Genia polled votes in every match, highlighting his consistency, and was also the man-of-the-match in the Reds 18-13 grand final triumph over the Crusaders.

“We’ve become a fairly attack orientated team and Will is a playmaker in his own right,” said coach Ewen McKenzie.

“He touches the ball more than anyone and the award acknowledges the consistency and quality of his play over a long period.”

Genia joins John Eales, Jason Little and David Croft in winning the annual award twice, while he still has work to do to equal Chris Latham’s effort of four Pilecki Medals.

Halves partner Cooper took out the inaugural Peoples Choice award, pipping Genia and Test winger Digby Ioane.

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Newly-appointed Wallabies captain James Horwill collected the Spirit of the Reds award, Kiwi recruit Mike Harris was named Rookie of the Year, and centre Ben Tapuai won the Most Improved.

More than 1000 guests packed out the Brisbane Convention Centre on Saturday night when McKenzie also unveiled his 31-man squad to mount next seasons title defence.

Queensland have retained 27 players from their 2011 roster, adding utility back Jono Lance, lock David McDuling, fullback Aidan Toua and 17-year-old Chris Feauai-Sautia to their full contract list.

They have released Will Chambers, Lei Tomiki and Leroy Houston, and fringe backs Ian Prior and Kimami Sitauti have signed with the Brumbies.

McKenzie remains confident of keeping in-form flyer Ioane, currently in negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union after receiving a massive offer from Japanese club Kubota, while Peter Hynes is hoping to return from knee surgery.

The Reds also announced major sponsor St.George Bank had extended its naming-rights partnership for a further three years through to 2014.

Pilecki Medal votes: Will Genia 263, Scott Higginbotham 217, Quade Cooper 206, Beau Robinson 191, Digby Ioane 158, Ben Daley 145, James Horwill 127, Anthony Fainga’a 116, Saia Fainga’a 104, Rod Davies 94.

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