Star Wallabies flyer Marika Koroibete has been crowned as Australia’s best player for the second time after being named as John Eales Medalist for 2022.
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The 30-year-old wrestles back the award which he last won in 2019 and earned 202 votes from his fellow players despite missing out on the Wallabies’ 2022 end-of-year tour to Europe.
A popular choice
The wing was a popular choice for the award, and he edged out Rob Valetini and Allan Alaalatoa, who received 170 and 168 votes, respectively.
Koroibete was named in World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year at the end of 2022 after several outstanding performances for Australia during their 2022 international campaign.
He was crowned the player of the series during the Wallabies‘ 2-1 victory over England during their three-Test series last July. He also made his mark with a brilliant performance against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship clash in Adelaide, producing an outstanding try-saving tackle on Makazole Mapimpi.
Koroibete joins George Smith, Nathan Sharpe, Michael Hooper, Israel Folau and David Pocock as players who have won the John Eales Medal multiple times.
“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 in a statement.
“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.
Introducing your 2022 John Eales Medallist Marika Koroibete 🥇!
Marika joins elite company, becoming just the sixth Wallaby to win the Medal on multiple occasions.
What was your favourite Marika moment from 2022?#Wallabies @eToroAU pic.twitter.com/XvebDt5OTk
— Wallabies (@wallabies) April 24, 2023
“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.”
“Marika’s consistency in attack and defence has become a feature of the Wallabies since his debut,” John Eales added.
“He combines passion and skill in the perfect measure.”
Previous John Eales Medal winners
2021: Michael Hooper
2020: Michael Hooper
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