Aussies name their Top Five
Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:50
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) have revealed the top five contenders for the 2008 John Eales Medal - Australia's top player - and for an exciting new award involving online voting by Wallaby fans.
The ARU confirmed that Wallaby stars Rocky Elsom, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock, Wycliff Palu and George Smith are in the running for both prestige honours, with the winners to be named at the John Eales Medal night in Sydney on Thursday, October 23.
The John Eales Medal is presented to the Wallaby player who polls the most number of votes from teammates, cast on a 3-2-1 basis after each Test.
This year's Medal takes in the Wallabies' five matches at the 2007 World Cup in France and the nine Tests played so far this season under new coach Robbie Deans.
However, for the first time, fans will also have the chance to vote on the Wallaby player they believe has been the best and most consistent during the same 14-Test campaign.
A new award, entitled Australia's Choice – 2008 Wallaby of the Year, will be determined by votes cast online.
Supporters will be asked to vote for one of the five contenders for the John Eales Medal, and the player polling the most votes from the fans will receive the Australia's Choice – 2008 Wallaby of the Year award.
Previous winners of the John Eales Medal are:
2007 - Nathan Sharpe
2006 - Chris Latham
2005 - Jeremy Paul
2004 - David Lyons
2003 - Phil Waugh
2002 - George Smith
