George Smith has once again earned the praise of his peers, crowned the Pilecki Medal winner in his debut season for the Reds.
It is a remarkable feat for the 37-year-old, who was voted the players' player at the QRU's Long Lunch today.
Smith started in all bar one Reds match this Super Rugby season and tallied 278 votes from his teammates, edging out Scott Higginbotham (248 votes), Karmichael Hunt (198 votes), Samu Kerevi (197 votes) and Duncan Paia'aua (192 votes).
“I’m extremely humbled to receive the Pilecki Medal," Smith said.
"Knowing the history of Stan and those that have won the award previously, it’s a really proud moment for me.
“There’ve been some outstanding performances this year from numerous players within our team, so to receive this accolade from my peers makes it even more special.”
The award is one of many in Smith's illustrious career, having won the same gong for the Brumbies 10 times in 12 seasons and the John Eales Medal in 2002 and 2008.
Shannon Parry was crowned Queensland Women's Player of the Year, reward for a season in which she skippered Australia on the World Series Sevens circuit and led the Wallaroos at the World Cup in Ireland.
In club land, Michael Gunn was crowned Queensland Premier Rugby Player of the Year.
The openside starred all season for Easts and accumulated the most votes from the referees, despite only playing in 13 of the Tigers' 16 starts this season.
2017 Pilecki Medal Top 10
George Smith (278 votes)
Scott Higginbotham (248 votes)
Karmichael Hunt (198 votes)
Samu Kerevi (197 votes)
Duncan Paia’aua (192 votes)
Eto Nabuli (103 votes)
Rob Simmons (92 votes)
Adam Korczyk (87 votes)
Taniela Tupou (85 votes)
James Tuttle (80 votes)
