James O’Connor has been voted Super Rugby AU’s most valuable player in a vote by fans, followed by his Queensland teammates Taniela Tupou and Hunter Paisami.
More than 8000 supporters voted for their favourite player, with O’Connor capturing 30 per cent of all fan votes.
(Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP via Getty Images)
He was followed by Reds teammates Taniela Tupou and Hunter Paisami, who came second and third respectively.
O’Connor starred as interim captain while Liam Wright was out with injury, leading the Reds into Saturday’s title decider at Suncorp Stadium against the Brumbies.
The 30-year-old finished the regular season as joint top point scorer, alongside Melbourne Rebels playmaker Matt To’omua.
The Crowd Says:
© 2024 The Roar
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
O'Connor for WB Captain. At least we will go for poles.
soapit
Roar Guru
Yeah ideal but shouldn't shoot ourselves in the foot to achieve it
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
I think continuity is important, especially when you're 2 years out from a World Cup. But you're right, not continuity just for continuities sake. If he's not the best in his position over the next 12-18 months then he doesn't deserve to be captain. And for all we know, Rennie might retain Hooper as captain until 2023...
soapit
Roar Guru
Don't think it's limited to Oz though. World player of the year is similar I think
Stu
Roar Rookie
Yes.. not much love from the experts for the grunt work in Aus. Maybe that’s why we struggle against the gun teams. Well, that and average coaches.. :shocked:
numpty
Roar Rookie
As I said Bobby I don't even know what you're on about. That's why I asked you!? But to this point - "JOC is never going to be better and IMO, that’s not quite good enough to the Wallaby 10 in the international arena."... "Reds still have to win the Final for both of these lads to be equal (Based on their teams peefiemance)."
Bobby
Roar Rookie
So Numpty. You've gone quiet all of a sudden. Obviously you are just wrong and been caught out !!
soapit
Roar Guru
No one said he did it alone. No need to make up that straw man. You did say he hasn't done anything yet which of not true or take
Jezdexter
Roar Rookie
The problem with fan voted awards is they always end up in the hands of the team with the most fans. While JoC has been the best 10 in Australia this year with Lolesio a close second, Tupou V AAA is absolutely 50/50 and Ikitau has outperformed Paisami by a greater margin than JoC has outperformed Lolesio. Which brings me to McReight and Valetini, who in my mind have been the two best players in SR AU but didn't make this list of 3.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Numpty. You need some clarity of thought. Show me once in this thread where I have advocated picking Noah over JOC (ATM - that means, at the moment). Comprehension is a skill learned!
numpty
Roar Rookie
Yes Lolesio did play well last year. And also yes, he is not our best/test 10. That's why I am advocating for JOC, who is the current best 10 for the WBs and rightful SRAU MVP.
numpty
Roar Rookie
One bloke beating a team of 23 really is a feat few have managed! Jono Lance has won 2 SR titles. Does that mean he should be WB 10? On this logic, the winning SR team automatically walks into the WBs for the following year. Who is the best performing 10 currently in Australia is the only question you need to ask… and the answer is JOC.
soapit
Roar Guru
10s and backrowers tend to do very well in awards
soapit
Roar Guru
I'd really like to have a little less emphasis on continuity for the captain. Pick him as Captain now for a season and if he isn't good enough in future give it to someone else.
soapit
Roar Guru
Check the reports. He played well as a play maker in a winning team. Might need time to be out test 10 but he certainly has done something few Australians have
soapit
Roar Guru
He won a super title.
numpty
Roar Rookie
I do champ. I just happen to be able to keep my train of thought coherent and on-topic. That's 3 comments now with no mention of JOC, Noah, or rugby for that matter. Feel free to provide an actual stat or line of reasoning as to why Noah should be picked ahead of JOC other than 'brumbies are good' and 'today is tomorrow's yesterday'...
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Numpty. Think. It's not that difficult! :shocked:
numpty
Roar Rookie
Do you even understand what you're saying anymore because I sure don't..? You have failed to mention anything closely related to rugby, JOC or Noah for your last two comments. Best consult your calendar, you seem unsure of what day it is.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Did Anna have Covid restrictions on this poll ? It’s not far wrong as far as Super Rugby is concerned. White, Valentine, Samu, Banks, Wright have all done well. Romain Ntamack has just turned 22. Lolisio is 6 months older. It’s time for him to get the 10 jersey. JOC 12 and Captain, Paisami 13. Koreibeti, Wright and Banks. Lolisio defends quite well . Enough of the Australian nonsense on the defensive deficiencies of our smaller players. Apart from the referee’s decisions and the interpretation of the offside rule the backrows will decide the match . Last year Samu, McCaffrey, Valentine and Miller gave Lolisio a clear win over JOC.