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Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete has won the 2022 John Eales Medal – announced via press release five months after the last Wallabies Test of last year.
The impact of Rugby Australia’s announcement is in direct contrast to the the blockbusting displays produced by Koroibete last season – summed up in one brutal tackle in Adelaide when he launched into Makazole Mapimpi.
Koroibete (202 votes) edged out Rob Valetini (170 votes) and Allan Alaalatoa (168 votes) to be presented the medal by Wallabies General Manager Chris Webb in Japan on Monday morning. It was his second John Eales Medal win.
The medal is voted on by the players and Koroibete’s performances in each of the first nine Tests of the season saw him establish such a lead in the voting that he could not be caught despite missing the end of year tour to Europe and the UK.
Koroibete celebrated his 50th cap for the Wallabies against New Zealand in Melbourne, helping set up one of the tries of the year when he combined with Pete Samu down the sideline.
Such was his form on both sides of the ball in the Rugby Championship, Koroibete finished as the leading ball-carrying back across the whole competition and the highest ranked Wallaby for both defenders beaten and offloads.
He joins George Smith, Nathan Sharpe, Michael Hooper, Israel Folau and David Pocock as players who have won the award on multiple occasions.
“It’s an honour to be awarded the 2022 John Eales Medal, especially in a season where so many players played well in the Wallabies jersey,””Koroibete said
“Rugby is a team sport first and foremost, so I’d like to thank my teammates and to know they were the ones who voted for me to win this award means a lot.
“It’s been a dream come true to represent the Wallabies and I hope I can continue to contribute to the team in what’s a massive year ahead.”
John Eales AM said: “Marika’s consistency in attack and defence has become a feature of the Wallabies since his debut.”
“He combines passion and skill in the perfect measure.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.