Michael Hooper won a third John Eales Medal to finish the international season, in which he had his captaincy questioned, on a high.
The Wallabies skipper added to his 2013 and 2016 honours by claiming the player-voted MVP honour narrowly ahead of last year’s medallist Marika Koroibete.
The COVID-19 shortened Test calendar produced just one win and three draws from six Tests under new coach Dave Rennie, who had backed incumbent Hooper to continue in the role he held under Michael Cheika.
Hooper, who turned 29 in October, became the youngest player to notch 100 Test caps in the process.
But the flanker was forced to defend his tactics and leadership as consistency of performances again alluded the Wallabies.
His teammates showed their faith though, Hooper polling 91 votes to pip winger Koroibete (88) with veteran prop James Slipper (79), halfback Nic White (61) and utility back Reece Hodge (56) rounding out the top five.
Taniela Tupou won the Super Rugby AU player of the year while his Queensland and Wallabies teammate Harry Wilson claimed Rugby Australia’s rookie of the year as part of a week-long roll-out of awards.
“Michael is an incredible rugby player, an outstanding captain and an excellent leader on-and-off the field,” RA boss Rob Clarke said.
“The way he conducts himself is a credit to him and the values he lives his life by, and we congratulate him on his achievement.
“All our winners thoroughly deserve the accolades in what has been a challenging 2020.”
RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS
* Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Sharni Williams
* Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Nick Malouf
* Super W Player of the year: Ema Masi
* Super Rugby AU Player of the Year: Taniela Tupou
* Referee of the Year: Amy Perrett
* Rookie of the year: Harry Wilson
* Spirit of Rugby Award: Garry Quinlivan
* John Eales Medal: Michael Hooper
Davos
Guest
I`d suggest " lazy, lazy and lazy around the park " is what Hooper is. Not a 135 kilo rock at scrum time. " Hooper HAS been good, and over several years." That is a false statement . We all know Hooper was poor 2016-2018 and should have been dropped. We agree to disagree on Hooper.Thanks.
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Well for somebody who said this award meant nothing you do seem to want to keep talking about it.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Hooper HAS been good, and over several years. Taniela has the potential to be great but is a long way from being that. He is generally a strong scrummagers but except for a few highlight minemts he is lazy, lazy and lazy around the park. He needs a lot more quality 8nvolvements before he can be considered an OVERALL world class Test player. Of course, Taniela needs to grow his mental strength and not be "suckered" into silly penalties.
Davos
Guest
Bob, i hope you`re not suggesting Hooper is more valuable than Thor. Thor is a once in a generation player. Hooper never was or will be.
J Jones
Roar Rookie
Can’t help that people like you can’t help but reply for no apparent reason
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
1 comment repeated multiple times
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
Fully agree with you. To much in the backline
Phil
Guest
What,that he got outplayed by arguably 2 of the best in the world means he can't be the best in his team?Probably didn't outplay McCaw a few times in his career but would have still been the best Wallaby.
Phil
Guest
Here you go again,NGP,commenting about a "nothing" award!
J Jones
Roar Rookie
I think Hooper is a fine player and doesn’t deserve half the flak he gets… the midfield and other loose forwards need to step up. In the right side Hooper would be insanely good
numpty
Roar Rookie
that's all that's provided by the website. Obviously quality is important, but work rate is an important measure in its own right. Nick Bishops article today shows Hooper is no slouch in terms of winning collisions when compared to the rest of the WB back 5 forwards.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I'm not sure how you took that as nobody likes him. He definitely wouldn't give off enough of the vibe that he is always giving 110% compared to someone like Hooper though, no question. Consistently splitting game time with Alaalatoa would have counted heavily against him too, especially while he is still trying to shake the public image that he is an impact and flashy player only, despite constantly playing 80 minutes and being by far the strongest Australian set piece prop all SR season.
piru
Roar Rookie
Sure, why not?
J Jones
Roar Rookie
1 comment yes
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Nice to see that the nothing award got you commentating NGP
Wallabies124
Roar Rookie
Haha well that’s completely wrong
Bobby
Roar Rookie
You are kidding aren't you. So, IYO, Taniela isn't liked by anybody???
Markus
Roar Rookie
"Says something actually." That it's heavily weighted by popularity, and players value "heart" and being a "top bloke" over quantifiable results on field.
J Jones
Roar Rookie
No that’s not the case your dancing bears analogy, though not very eloquent is a fair reflection
jeznez
Roar Guru
Just performing bears, dancing for your enjoyment? Yet here you are commenting on how much you don’t care. I think you do care Pete, I think you just aren’t happy that the player’s views and your own don’t align.