McReight becomes first Queensland Reds player in 20 years to claim John Eales Medal

Fraser McReight claimed the 2026 John Eales Medal at the Rugby Australia Awards on Thursday night, becoming the first Queensland Reds player in 20 years to receive the honour awarded to the Wallabies’ best and fairest. The flanker beat fellow nominees Jeremy Williams and two-time winner Rob Valetini, with the result announced by Wallabies great John Eales himself just after 9:30 pm.

The award capped a remarkable evening for McReight, who had already collected the Defender of the Year prize earlier in the night for a try-saving tackle against France. His consistency across the past 12 months — highlighted by a five-turnover performance against England on the Spring Tour — earned him the votes of his Wallabies teammates over the course of the year.

“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 after the presentation.

“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 is now the 15th Wallaby to have his name on the medal, joining a list that includes Michael Hooper, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Len Ikitau and Valetini. Hooper remains the standout recipient with four wins, while Folau, Koroibete, Sharpe, Smith and Valetini have each taken it more than once.

The last Reds player to win was fullback Chris Latham in 2006 — a fact McReight admitted he was unaware of. “I didn’t know that, that’s pretty cool,” he said, before acknowledging the depth of talent in Queensland rugby.

“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. 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.”

The Wallabies are set to depart for the United Kingdom this weekend, with four Tests remaining in their schedule.