Fraser McReight believes he can still “get a lot better” after becoming Queensland’s first Red player in 20 years to win the prestigious John Eales Medal, awarded to the best and fairest Wallabies at the annual Rugby Australia Awards.
Jeremy Williams and two-time winner Rob Valitini have also been nominated, with the Wallabies voting over the past 12 months. Wallabies great Eales took to the stage just after 9.30pm on Thursday to announce McReight as the 2026 winner.
McReight made the same walk from the Wallabies table to the stage earlier in the evening, named Defender of the Year after a sensational save against France. But as the night drew to a close, Wallaby was given the ultimate reward for a consistent year in gold.
The announcement caps off a remarkable season for McReight, who set the tone during last year’s Spring Tour with a stunning five-ball haul against England. McReight maintained that form throughout July Nations Championship and six more Tests since then.
“I’ve been building slowly. I know I’ve always had the ability and I’m lucky that I’ve been coached really well and I’ve had amazing players around me that make me look better and play better,” McReight told reporters.
“For me it’s just the beginning. I really think I can be a lot better. I have a lot of opinions that I value and they believe in that too. I’m looking forward to next year, I’m looking forward to continue this form and play for Australia because I love this country and I love this team.”
McReight became only 15th The Wallaby will receive the John Eales Medal, joining a legendary list that includes Michael Hooper, Nathan Sharpe and George Smith. Current Wallabies Len Ikitau and Valetini are also present in that rather exclusive club.
Hooper is a four-time award winner, doc Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Sharpe, Smith and Valletini have also won it multiple times. McReight etched his name forever in Australian rugby history, making history in more ways than one this week.
McReight not only became the last man to win the award, but the first Queensland Reds player since the mid-2000s to receive the coveted medal. Chris Latham was the last, crowned best and fairest in 2006.
“I didn’t know that, that’s pretty cool,” McReight said.
“Looking at Queensland, there’s been some really great players that have come through and it’s an honour, it’s a huge honour. I’m just trying to lead by example. I’ve got a mate (Harry Wilson) who’s doing the same.”
“We’ve got so much talent up there and we’re just looking to continue our progress in Queensland and then pass that filter to the Wallabies.”
The Wallabies players made sure to congratulate McReight, immediately after the presentation and just before the press conference. The Wallabies travel to the United Kingdom this weekend, with four Tests remaining this season.
But before all that, McReight made sure to thank those who played a role in his journey to that point. Parents, coaches, his partner and teammates all contribute to the success that cannot come without the support of others.
“You can’t get past my parents. Mum and dad, they’ve done so much for me. The sacrifices, the pushing – I’m the youngest so I’m a bit of a mummy’s boy and mum definitely pushed me when I was young and dad had his way too.
“As I got older, I realized my place in professional rugby. My early coaches: (Brad Thorn) at the Reds, Dave Rennie at the Wallabies… I’m playing my best football under (Les Kiss) at the Reds. Obviously Joe (Schmidt) was a huge influence on me at the Wallabies, he gave me that freedom and that trust where I could build trust, and I’ve been able to build that at this level.
“My partner, she’s lovely. She gives me that support when I need it. You can’t go past those people.”
“I know the players are probably worse, too. You go out there, you live or die with these guys.”
2026 Rugby Australia Awards – Winners List
John Eales Medal – Fraser McReight
Wallaroos Player of the Year – Faitala Moleka
Shawn Mackay Men’s Weeks Player of the Year Award – Henry Hutchison
Shawn Mackay Player of the Week Award – Isabella Nasser
Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year – Jock Campbell, Queensland Reds
Swyftx Super Rugby Player of the Year – Siokapesi Palu Sekona
Santos Rookie of the Year Award – Treyvon Pritchard, Queensland Reds
Santos Rookie of the Year Award – Amelia Whitaker, Wallaroos
Junior Player of the Year – Edwin Langi, Australia U20 and the NSW Waratahs
Junior Player of the Year – Waiaria Ellis, Wallaroos and NSW Waratahs
Cadbury try of the year – Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Wallaroos v Scotland, Canberra
Defender of the year – Fraser McReight, Wallabies vs. France, Brisbane
FedEx Referee of the Year – Nic Berry
Peter Meagher Spirit of Rugby Award – Paula Watkins, Queensland Rugby Union
Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby – Craig Robberds, ACT Rugby
Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award – Kieran Smith, NSW Rugby
Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year – Julius Ambat, NSW Rugby
