Fiji-born Marika Koroibete is the 2019 Australian Rugby Player of the Year.
He got the award at the Rugby Australia Awards last night beating Wallabies Captain Michael Hooper and Wallabies Vice-Captain Samu Kerevi.
The top try scorer for the #Wallabies this year with seven tries from 11 Tests! Congratulations for winning the John Eales Medal Marika!#RAA19 pic.twitter.com/Ya4fwxyghj
— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) November 14, 2019
In an emotional interview after receiving the award, Koroibete said his only aim this year was to represent the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup and being awarded the John Eales Medal is an honour and a privilege.
He says it was always his dream to play in the Super Rugby competition.
Koroibete is the first specialist winger to claim the award which has often gone to forwards over the years.
Koroibete made his Test debut for Australia against Argentina in Canberra on 16th September 2017.
Félicitations à Marika Koroibete qui remporte la John Eales Medal 2019 aux Rugby Australia Awards 👏👏#RAA19 pic.twitter.com/SVYTWeBuL8
— Rugby World Cup (@RugbyWorldCupFR) November 14, 2019
This is a remarkable achievement for Koroibete who started his career playing for Nasinu Secondary School in both rugby league and rugby union.
Koroibete then signed a 3-year contract with the Wests Tigers to play in Australia before joining Melbourne Storm.
Winner of the John Eales Medal for 2019 is Marika Koroibete. Congratulations on an amazing year Marika!#RAA19 pic.twitter.com/ynoubCiov8
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 14, 2019
The 27-year-old then joined the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby competition in 2017.
