Junior Wallabies standout Harry Wilson has been named the Alec Evans Medallist as the Queensland Premier Rugby player of the year despite turning out in just seven games for Brothers.
The no.8's commitments with the Junior Wallabies at the world U20 championships in Argentina may have curtailed his season with minor premiers Brothers but it was not enough to stop him from snaring the honour.
Wilson polled in all but one game he played, picking up either two or three votes from referees in each game to finish with 14 points, just one ahead of Brothers club captain Reuben Wall and two more than Wests players Jeremiah Lynch and Hunter Paisami, as well as James Dalgleish (University of Queensland) and Matt Gicquel (GPS) on a crowded ladder.
The win backs up Wilson's U19 player of the year away from last season and is a boost for Wilson and Brothers ahead of Sunday's Hospital Cup grand final against UQ.
“It’s a huge honour, it’s something you don’t really play for or expect, but it’s a great individual honour to receive and it’s been made a bit easier after having such a great season with Brothers,” said Wilson.
“Only playing seven games this year, I didn’t expect it, but it’s a huge honour to receive this award and something I’m very appreciative for.”
Wilson, who plays in Brothers' Premier Rugby outfit alongside Junior Wallabies teammates Fraser McReight and Michael Woods, said he was grateful to be playing on Sunday with eight other Brothers teams that have made it to footy's final weekend.
“Last year, I was a part of the Premier Grade team who didn’t make finals and wasn’t very successful when the rest of the club were going well,” he said.
“This season, it’s awesome to be a part of grand final week with the rest of the club and it’s something I can’t wait to play a part in. I’m sure Ballymore is going to be packed with Brothers supporters from U6s to Old Boys.
“When you’re playing down in clubland, it’s about playing with your mates and individual accolades are great if they come but it’s about trying to achieve something special with your mates.”
Brothers dominated the awards handed out at the Premier rugby grand final breakfast on Tuesday.
Young premier grade players Byron Ralston (19) and Josh Flook (17) were named the top try scorer of 2019 and the U19s player of the year, while the club was also awarded the Doughty Shield for the club championship, as well as the Horsely Cup for the Premier Grade minor premiership.
Wests centre Isaac Henry was named the competition’s highest point scorer, amassing 166 points from 59 conversions, six penalties and six tries.
Brothers take on the University of Queensland in the Queensland Premier Rugby grand final at Ballymore on Sunday, kicking off at 3:05pm and broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports and streamed at redsrugby.com.
2019 Queensland Premier Rugby Grand Final Breakfast award recipients:
Alec Evans Medal (Player of the Year) – Harry Wilson (Brothers)
U19s player of the year - Josh Flook (Brothers)
Highest Points Scorer - Isaac Henry (Wests)
Highest Try Scorer - Byron Ralston (Brothers)
Doughty Shield (Club Championship) - Brothers
Horsley Cup (Minor Premiership) - Brothers
The Bunter Bowl - Sunnybank Dragons
