The winners and losers
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Reds centre Samu Kerevi and Rebels hooker Anaru Rangi has claimed the top prize at their respective franchises.
Reds centre Samu Kerevi won the prestigious Pilecki Medal after being voted Queensland’s players’ player in 2018.
While hooker Anaru Rangi has claimed the Melbourne Rebels’ top player’s gong after a break-out Super Rugby season.
Despite missing the last two games with injury, Reds Kerevi picked up his first Pilecki Medal by edging out rising star Taniela Tupou and departing veteran Jono Lance, who finished equal-second.
The Pilecki medal is named after late Queensland prop Stan Pilecki, who passed away earlier this year. Pilecki was among the toughest men to ever represent the state, and so Kerevi was a fitting recipient on that front.
The big Wallabies midfielder finished in the top ten in Super Rugby across three statistical categories: runs (146), run metres (1,187) and tackle busts (63).
“It’s definitely a blessing and a massive honour to receive the Pilecki Medal. I was a bit surprised, but I’m honoured to receive the award from the group, it’s an important one to us as Queenslanders,” Kerevi said.
“It’s great to see so many young guys come through this year. We have a lot of potential in the group so we need to make strides forward in 2019,”
Reds coach Brad Thorn said Kerevi was a deserving winner of the Pilecki Medal.
“To be voted by your peers as the best player is fantastic recognition for Samu Kerevi. He is a passionate Queenslander who gives everything for the jersey. The acknowledgement of your teammates is the greatest honour a player can have,” Thorn said.
While the Rebels’ season ended on a disappointing note after blowing the chance for a maiden finals berth and Amanaki Mafi being charged after a physical altercation with a teammate, there were some bright spots including the performance of Rangi.
The 29-year-old was voted players’ player after his form saw Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese relegated to the bench.
The award is voted on by all 23 matchday players after each Super Rugby game during the season, with Rangi featuring on 15 occasions.
Rangi, who joined Melbourne after nine appearances with the defunct Western Force, said was “humbled” by the honour.
“I had absolutely no idea (I would be in the running for it) – I actually had my back turned when they read my name out,” he said.
“I’d really like to acknowledge Jordan (Uelese). It’s been a really competitive environment but it’s also been a really enjoyable one to be a part of,”
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