‘I can get a lot better’: Fraser McReight after historic award win

Fraser McReight believes he can still “get a lot better” after becoming the first Queensland Reds player in 20 years to win the prestigious John Eales Medal, which is awarded to the Wallabies’ best and fairest at the annual Rugby Australia Awards.

Jeremy Williams and two-time recipient Rob Valetini were also nominated, with the Wallabies casting their votes over the past 12 months. Wallabies great Eales walked onto the stage just after 9:30 pm on Thursday, and announced McReight as the 2026 winner.

McReight had made the same walk from a Wallabies table to the stage earlier on in the evening, named the Defender of the Year after a sensational try-saver against France. But as the night neared its end, the Wallaby received the ultimate reward for a consistent year in gold.

The announcement capped off a standout season for McReight, who set the tone during last year’s Spring Tour with a stunning five-turnover game against England. McReight maintained that form throughout the July Nations Championship and another six Tests since.

“I’ve been building slowly. I know I’ve always had the ability and I’m very fortunate I’ve been coached very well and I’ve had unbelievable players around me that make me look better and play better,” McReight told reporters.

“It’s just the beginning for me. I really think I can get a lot better. I’ve got a lot of opinions that I value and they believe that too. I’m eager for next year, I’m eager to continue this form and playing for Australia because I love this country and I love this team.”

McReight has become just the 15^th Wallaby to receive the John Eales Medal, joining a legendary list that includes Michael Hooper, Nathan Sharpe and George Smith. Current Wallabies Len Ikitau and Valetini feature in that fairly exclusive club as well.

Hooper is a four-time award winner, while Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Sharpe, Smith and Valetini have won it multiple times as well. McReight has forever etched his name into the history of Australian rugby, making history in more ways than one this week.

McReight has not only become the latest man to win the award, but is the first Queensland Reds player since the mid-2000s to receive the coveted medal. Chris Latham was the last, crowned the 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 come through and it’s an honour, it’s a great honour. I’m just trying to lead by example. I’ve got my fellow mate, [Harry Wilson], up there who does the same.

“We have so much talent up there and we’re just trying our best to continue the improvement in Queensland and then make that filter through to the Wallabies.”

Wallabies players made sure to congratulate McReight, immediately after the presentation and just before the press conference opportunity. The Wallabies will jet off to the United Kingdom this weekend, with four Tests left to play this season.

But before all that, McReight made sure to thank those who have played a role in his journey to that moment. Parents, coaches, his partner and teammates, all contributing to success that can’t come without the support of others.

“You can’t go past my parents. Mum and Dad, they’ve done so much for me. The sacrifices, the pushing – I’m the youngest so a bit of a mama’s boy and mum definitely pushed me when I was young and my dad had his own way as well.

“As I got older, understanding my place in professional rugby. My early coaches: [Brad Thorn] at the Reds, Dave Rennie at the Wallabies… I play my best football under [Les Kiss] at the Reds. Obviously Joe [Schmidt] had a huge impact on me at Wallabies, gave me that freedom and that trust, and that’s where I was able to really build that confidence up knowing I belong 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 that the players are probably up there as well. You go out there, you live or die with these blokes.”

2026 Rugby Australia Awards – winners list

John Eales Medal – Fraser McReight

Wallaroos Player of the Year – Faitala Moleka

Shawn Mackay Award for Men’s Sevens Player of the Year – Henry Hutchison

Shawn Mackay Award for Women’s Sevens Player of the Year – Isabella Nasser

Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year – Jock Campbell, Queensland Reds

Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year – Siokapesi Palu Sekona

Santos Men’s Rookie of the Year Award – Treyvon Pritchard, Queensland Reds

Santos Women’s Rookie of the Year Award – Amelia Whitaker, Wallaroos

Junior Men’s Player of the Year – Edwin Langi, Australia U20 and NSW Waratahs

Junior Women’s Player of the Year – Waiaria Ellis, Wallaroos and NSW Waratahs

Cadbury Try of the Year – Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Wallaroos vs. 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