Queensland Reds backrower Harry Wilson has claimed his maiden Stan Pilecki Medal to cap a superb 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The number-eight polled 281 votes to edge out co-captain Tate McDermott (241 votes) and backrow partner Fraser McReight (171 votes) and collect the medal, named after Queensland Rugby stalwart Stan Pilecki.
The Brothers product scored five tries in 14 appearances in 2022, while he topped the competition for carries (202) and finished in the top-ten for metres carried (1,036), offloads (17) and tackles (158).
Wilson joins elite company as a Pilecki medallist, including the likes of teammate Taniela Tupou, John Eales, Chris Latham and Toutai Kefu.
Wilson was awarded the medal at the Queensland Reds’ end of season awards dinner at South Bank’s Emporium Hotel, with a number of other players also recognised for their achievements throughout the season.
Lawson Creighton was named the Reds Rookie of the Year, with the flyhalf scoring 38 points across 14 games in his debut season. After debuting in Round 1, Creighton steered the side in the number-10 jersey on five occasions, all of which were against Kiwi opposition.
Lock Ryan Smith was recognised as the player who best embodies the Spirt of the Reds, continuing a stellar start to his career after claiming Rookie of the Year honours in 2021.
The team also acknowledged a number of other achievements from the 2021 season including five Queensland debutants – Creighton, Spencer Jeans, Matt Faessler, Connor Vest, and Lopeti Faifua – and two players who celebrated their 50th Queensland cap, Filipo Daugunu and James O’Connor.
The club farewelled three players – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Mafi and Angus Scott-Young – who will be departing Queensland to pursue new opportunities either overseas or elsewhere in Australia next season.
The Queensland Rugby Union thanks Lukhan, Alex and Angus for their service to Queensland Rugby and wishes them all the best for the next chapter in their Rugby careers.
2022 Queensland Reds award winners
- Pilecki Medal – Harry Wilson
- Rookie of the Year – Lawson Creighton
- Spirit of the Reds – Ryan Smith
Pilecki Medal Count
- Harry Wilson (281 votes)
- Tate McDermott (241 votes)
- Fraser McReight (171 votes)
- Hamish Stewart (132 votes)
- Seru Uru (130 votes)
- Ryan Smith (126 votes)
- Jock Campbell (123 votes)
- Josh Flook (114 votes)
- Hunter Paisami (98 votes)
- James O’Connor (95 votes)
2022 Queensland debutants
- Lawson Creighton – Queensland Rep #1366
- Spencer Jeans – Queensland Rep #1367
- Matt Faessler – Queensland Rep #1368
- Connor Vest – Queensland Rep #1369
- Lopeti Faifua – Queensland Rep #1370
2022 Queensland milestones
- Filipo Daugunu – 50th Queensland cap
- James O’Connor – 50th Queensland cap
Pilecki Medal History
- 2022 – Harry Wilson (281 votes)
- 2021 – Taniela Tupou (273 votes)
- 2020 – Taniela Tupou (302 votes)
- 2019 – Samu Kerevi (301 votes)
- 2018 – Samu Kerevi (191 votes)
- 2017 – George Smith (278 votes)
- 2016 – Liam Gill (282 votes)
- 2015 – Liam Gill (420 votes)
- 2014 – James Slipper (239 votes)
- 2013 – Jake Schatz (269 votes)
- 2012 – James Slipper (272 votes)
- 2011 – Will Genia (263 votes)
- 2010 – Will Genia (209 votes)
- 2009 – Digby Ioane (253 votes)
- 2008 – David Croft (195 votes)
- 2007 – David Croft (188 votes)
- 2006 – Rodney Blake (186 votes)
- 2005 – Nathan Sharpe
- 2004 – Chris Latham
- 2003 – Julian Huxley
- 2002 – Chris Latham
- 2001 – Toutai Kefu
- 2000 – Chris Latham
- 1999 – Chris Latham
- 1998 – Daniel Herbert
- 1997 – John Eales
- 1996 – Jason Little
- 1995 – Jason Little
- 1994 – Matthew Pini
- 1993 – Rod McCall
- 1992 – Peter Slattery
