Michael Cheika may be on the nose with disillusioned Wallabies fans but he’s a hero to newly crowned John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete.
Koroibete paid a heartfelt tribute to Cheika after joining the modern-day greats of Australian rugby as the Wallabies’ 2019 player of the year.
In just his third season in the 15-man code after defecting from the NRL, the electric winger won the battle of the Fijian-born backs to see off Samu Kerevi and claim the Wallabies’ highest individual honour.
“It’s such an honour to be named with all the great players who’ve won this medal before. I still can’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting this,” Koroibete said on Australian rugby’s night of nights in Sydney.
The humble star said the gong meant everything to his family, but he singled out the outgoing Cheika for believing in him.
It was Cheika who lured Koroibete from the Melbourne Storm and blooded him on the Wallabies’ 2016 spring tour of Europe. But he made the rookie wait almost another year before handing him his Test debut.
“Michael Cheika was the one who spoke to me. He’s the one who moulded me to be here wearing this medal,” Koroibete said.
“He didn’t force me to play early. He took his time and encouraged me, gave me things six months by six months, and this year I’ve been working very hard with the (Melbourne) Rebels coaching staff, they’ve supported me as well.
“(Cheika) is such a great man, he mingled well with the boys.
“I like him as a coach. He’s honest with you. If there’s something you need to work on, he tells you straight. He doesn’t beat around the bush.
“Unfortunately, he’s not here anymore.”
Koroibete’s stunning form at the Rugby World Cup was enough for the 27-year-old to become the first winger bestowed with the country’s premier player prize, awarded since 2002.
He polled 200 votes from his Wallabies teammates, 50 clear of second-placed Kerevi.
The soft-spoken speedster revealed his fierce will to win after joining the likes of multiple winners George Smith, Michael Hooper, David Pocock and fellow code-hopper Israel Folau on the honour roll, as well superstar playmakers Matt Giteau and Kurtley Beale.
“I hate losing,” Koroibete said.
“I just go on the field: ‘Where is the No.14?’ I’m No.11, who is the No.14? Me and you tonight. That’s my mentality. We’ll go out there and see who the best player on the field is tonight.
“It’s not about me versing the whole team. I set my goals tiny, me and my winger, compete with him.
“The game plan this year suited me very well, I liked it, and it was simple so I enjoyed it this year.”
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
JOHN EALES MEDALLISTS
2019: Marika Koroibete
2018: David Pocock
2017: Israel Folau
2016: Michael Hooper
2015: Israel Folau
2014: Israel Folau
2013: Michael Hooper
2012: Nathan Sharpe
2011: Kurtley Beale
2010: David Pocock
2009: Matt Giteau
2008: George Smith
2007: Nathan Sharpe
2006: Chris Latham
2005: Jeremy Paul
2004: David Lyons
2003: Phil Waugh
2002: George Smith.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Hoops is the brown nose gnome of rugby.
Jockstar
Guest
Well done best player by a mile. We need more leaguies and Pacific island players.
Double Agent
Guest
MK is definitely one of Cheika's successes. But credit goes to MK himself. He's studied hard and played hard - not many play as hard as him - he deserves this award he is without doubt close to being the worlds best winger.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Or perhaps it was the horrible defensive structure?
Garry
Guest
Certainly has come on. But let’s not forget that he had his transition period from league where he was often being caught out of position. Wing takes time to learn. My question was at the time, was he rushed into the WB squad too soon?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Marika is a very good football player, however I have serious doubt about his objectivity in comments re coaches. However he appears to be able to play the political game and for that, I congratulate him.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I'm sure behind the scenes he is a great guy but that's not necessarily a requirement to be a good coach. In South Africa both the Beast and Matfield in their books were pretty harsh on Jake White as a person. But... He can coach.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Not so good when Semi Radradra is 14.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
A lot of faith from Cheika , and hard work by Koreibeti. He’s taken a while but it’s been worth it.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
He is one that Cheika got right. Put faith in him, gave him the time he needed and had him peaking at the perfect time.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@SandBox No evidence of that. If any player ever says anything publicly that is remotely critical of the WB operation they'll be black listed immediately. Consider the naive silliness of Quade and Folau who couldn't keep their mouths shut. It's in their contracts - be 100% in public or you're gooooone. And Hooper is a classic example of the brown nosing company man who has been greatly rewarded above his station for being a man of straw. That's normal business in Australia in 2019 :)
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
yeah if I was Marika I'd be saying same. Cheika did select him consistently and if you want a long term career as a Wallaby you better be a 100% positive yes man or forget it :)
Joe
Roar Rookie
Congrats to Marika Koroibete for winning this medal! Second ex-Melbourne Storm winger to take out this award. Glad he’s done so well with the Wallabies and right from the day he switched I knew he’d do great. Probably need a better Super team though. His mentality is exactly why he’s such a competitive effort player and gets so much support from fans and his teammates who voted for him to win this medal – “Where is the No.14?’ I’m No.11, who is the No.14? Me and you tonight. That’s my mentality. We’ll go out there and see who the best player on the field is tonight.” MK
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
There’s some formidable names on the list. Congratulations to Marika who deserves to be amongst them. A truly standout year!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Congratulations to Marika - what stunning development he's shown over just three years. If a few others had his obvious work ethic then the Wallabies would be in a much better place.
Lara
Guest
Koroibete has developed, but he is still a newby to the game , so congratulations on the award. He might be a Cheika fan n fair enough looking from his perspective . I don’t doubt his sincerity. However, there is much more to being a good international coach .
Machooka
Roar Guru
Totally get it, Ken... but by the same token 'it' became so complicated and unwieldy as to defeat it's own original purpose eh!?!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Fair enough Chook, but I would add that Grey, a man who himself did plenty of ‘defending in his own position’, was only plugging the holes and switching the deck chairs that he inherited from the selector(s)?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Fair enough Peter... and I do tend to agree with what you've stated :thumbup: About your last para... I think Koroibete was more implying a 'game plan' that suited his own positional play as opposed to generally the Wallaby 'game plan'. Prior to this Grey had him running hither and thither in defence, plugging holes... not so much need for that 'game plan' this past season :happy:
Boomeranga
Roar Rookie
Good on MK. I'm a little surprised he won by such a margin depite being one of few bright lights at the RWC.