Jorgensen, Faiilagi lead Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year voting after opening round

Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 9:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

NSW Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen and Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi have scored maximum points in the opening round of the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year voting.

Jorgensen and Faiilagi were incredible, helping their teams to victory over the Queensland Reds and the Fijian Drua, respectively.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

The captains and head coaches of both teams nominate their top three players from the opposing team each week, allocating three votes, two votes, and one vote, respectively.

On top of this, the Player of the Year voting process has been bolstered for the upcoming season, with a panel of respected rugby media identities from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji assembled to contribute votes on each game.

Player of the Year votes from each round will be announced on the competition website and social media channels each Tuesday, until the voting goes behind closed doors following Round 10.

Here is how they voted:

Highlanders v Crusaders

6 - Caleb Tanigtau (HIG)

5 - Will Jordan (CRU), Ethan Blackadder (CRU)

4 - Sean Withy (HIG)

3 - Timoci Tavatavanawai (HIG), Cameron Miller (HIG)

2 - Noah Hotham (CRU)

1 - Jamie Hannah (CRU), Ethan de Groot (HIG)

NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds

9 - Max Jorgensen (NSW)

4 - Lawson Creighton (NSW), Charlie Gamble (NSW)

3 - Fraser McReight (QLD), Josh Canham (QLD),  Jock Campbell (QLD)

2 - Joe Brial (QLD)

1 - Matt Faessler (QLD), Ethan Dobbins (NSW)

Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua

9 - Miracle Faiilagi (MOA)

5 - Elia Canakaiavata (FJI)

4 - Iliaisa Droasese (FJI)

3- Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (MOA)

2 - Ponipate Loganimasi (FJI), Tom Savage (MOA), Patrick Pellegrini (MOA)

1 - Vereimi Vakatawa (FJI), William Havili (MOA)

Blues v Chiefs

7 - Tupou Vaa’i (CHI)

5 - Bradley Slater (BLU)

4 - Samisoni Taukei’aho (CHI), Quinn Tupaea (CHI)

3 - Pita Akhi (BLU)

2 - Dalton Papali’i (BLU), Caleb Clarke (BLU)

1 - Zarn Sullivan (BLU), Torian Barnes (BLU)

Western Force v ACT Brumbies

7 - Charlie Cale (BRU), Declan Meredith (BRU)

5 - Vaiolini Ekuasi (FOR), Ben Donaldson (FOR)

3 - Ryan Lonergan (BRU)

1 - Rob Valetini (BRU), Nathan Hastie (FOR), Bayley Kuenzle (FOR)

Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Round One

Max Jorgensen - 9

Miracle Faiilagi - 9

Tupou Vaa'i - 7

Declan Meredith - 7

Charlie Cale - 7

Calab Tangitau - 6

6 players on 5 votes

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