VIDEO: 'Super surprised but honoured'

REACTION: Wallaroos wing Maya Stewart has been crowned Player of the Year after an incredible 2024 season.

Stewart was the clear winner after a record-breaking season, besting Rugby Swiss army knife Ash Marsters and No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra.

It comes even after the 24-year-old missed the Tests against Fijiana and New Zealand with a hamstring injury.

However, Stewart’s eight games in the gold jersey were freakish, scoring nine tries.

This includes touching down in her last seven, breaking the record for most tries by a Wallaroo with 15.

During her incredible season, she notched up 18 line breaks and 37 tackle busts.

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Stewart’s heroics was crucial in the Wallaroos breaking through for their first title, taking out WXV 2.

“It probably hasn’t sunk in yet given the girls that are nominated,” Stewart said.

“I’m super surprised but honoured to get this award.

“Having Jo [Yapp] come in and be the coach is fantastic and we’ve played some really expansive Rugby and it’s been exciting.

“It’s great to be a wing in this side.”

This included wins over Scotland, Wales and South Africa, with her efforts against the Welsh the standout performance of the year.

She crossed for a double in the 37-5 win that included 13 tackles busts, four line breaks and a try-of-the-year nomination.

Stewart follows in the footsteps of good mate Georgina Friedrichs, who won the award in 2022 and becomes the fifth straight NSW-based player to take out the honour after Eva Karpani claimed the honour in 2023.

Source: Rugbycomau