With big hair and the game to match, Rob Valetini has become Australia's 13th John Eales Medallist at the Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old Wallabies backrower was rewarded for his consistency in 2023, tallying 141 voting points to edge prop Angus Bell (132) and winger Marika Koroibete (116).
Valetini played all nine Tests for Australia last year, earning the respect of his teammates with punishing physicality in both attack and defence.
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Prop Eva Karpani was named Wallaroos player of the year following a breakout season in which she started all eight Tests at tighthead prop.
Karpani scored a hat trick in Australia's upset win over France and a try of the year contender in a victory over Wales.
The electric Maddison Levi claimed the Shawn Mackay Award for women's sevens player of the year after scoring a record 57 tries in the 2022-23 world series.
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Levi was also a finalist at the 2023 World Rugby Awards, a year after being named rookie of the year at the glitzy gala event.
Henry Paterson was named Australia's men's sevens player of the year after being picked in World Rugby's dream team for 2022-23.
Queensland duo Fraser McReight and Cecilia Smith were judged Super Rugby Pacific and Super W player of the year respectively.
John Eales Medal – Final Points:
1. Rob Valetini – 141 pts
2. Angus Bell – 132
3. Marika Koroibete – 116
Buildcorp Wallaroos Player of the Year – Final Points:
1. Eva Karpani – 146 pts
2. Ashley Marsters – 140
3. Georgina Friedrichs – 118
2023 Rugby Australia Awards
John Eales Medal – Rob Valetini
Wallaroos player of the year – Eva Karpani
Shawn Mackay Award for men's sevens player of the year – Henry Paterson
Shawn Mackay Award for women's sevens player of the year – Maddison Levi
Super Rugby player of the year – Fraser McReight, Reds
Super W player of the year – Cecilia Smith, Reds
Rookie of the year – Carys Dallinger, Wallaroos
Junior men's player of the year – Teddy Wilson
Junior women's player of the Year – Faitala Moleka
Try of the year – Jake Upfield, Reds vs Highlanders
Referee of the Year – Angus Gardner
Nick Farr-Jones spirit of rugby award – Bernard Tuaimau, Sydney Junior Rugby Union and Nathan Maiava, Melton Rugby Club
Joe French Award for outstanding contribution to rugby – Tim Gavin, Eastern Suburbs and NSW
Geoff 'Bunter' Shaw community coach of the year award – Michael Crank, Mount Maria College
Andrew Cole community match official of the year – Anthony Furey, Central Coast Rugby Union Referees
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