Marika Koroibete was overcome with emotion after joining the all-time greats of Australian rugby as a John Eales Medallist.
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The electric winger won the battle of the Fijian-born backs to see off Samu Kerevi and claim the Wallabies' 2019 player of the year honour at Rugby Australia's night of nights in Sydney.
Koroibete's stunning form at the Rugby World Cup was enough for the 27-year-old to become the first winger bestowed with the country's premier player prize, awarded since 2002.
"I wasn't expecting this. It's such an honour and a privilege to receive this medal," Koroibete said.
"A lot of great players have received this medal before me and the man who this medal is named after, it's just such an honour.
"Thanks for the boys for voting for me. It means a lot to me and my family. It was one of my dreams growing up to play Super Rugby and at the highest level."
The former Melbourne Storm rugby league star came alive midway through his third season in rugby union, producing a series of scintillating performances.
Long-range tries against Samoa in Sydney and Georgia in Shizuoka were among the most spectacular solo scores of the year while clean breaks were a regular feature during his four appearances at the global tournament.
Koroibete polled 200 votes from his Wallabies teammates, 50 clear of second-placed Kerevi.
Koroibete joins the likes of multiple winners George Smith, Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Israel Folau and fellow superstars Matt Giteau and Kurtley Beale on the honour roll.
Runner-up Kerevi was crowned Australian Super Rugby player of the year, while another Reds midfielder, Jordan Petaia, was named rookie of the year after his highly-promising maiden Test performances as Australia's youngest-ever player to appear at a Rugby World Cup.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper was named as Australian fans' player of the year.
Captain and standout No.8 Grace Hamilton was crowned Wallaroos player of the year while the women's Super W gong went to another back-rower, rising Brumbies star Tayla Stanford.
The men's sevens prize went to the elusive Maurice Longbottom and the women's to accomplished playmaker Charlotte Caslick.
Legendary Wallabies halves pairing George Gregan and Stephen Larkham were inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame.
RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS WINNERS
John Eales Medal: Marika Koroibete.
Wallaroos player of the year: Grace Hamilton.
Super Rugby player of the year: Samu Kerevi.
Super W player of the year: Tayla Stanford.
Rookie of the year: Men - Jordan Petaia. Women - Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea.
Sevens player of the year: Men - Maurice Longbottom. Women - Charlotte Caslick.
Junior Wallabies player of the year: Fraser McReight.
JOHN EALES MEDALLISTS
2019: Marika Koroibete
2018: David Pocock
2017: Israel Folau
2016: Michael Hooper
2015: Israel Folau
2014: Israel Folau
2013: Michael Hooper
2012: Nathan Sharpe
2011: Kurtley Beale
2010: David Pocock
2009: Matt Giteau
2008: George Smith
2007: Nathan Sharpe
2006: Chris Latham
2005: Jeremy Paul
2004: David Lyons
2003: Phil Waugh
2002: George Smith
Australian Associated Press