Taniela Tupou claims Pilecki Medal as 2020 St.George Queensland Reds players’ player
Taniela Tupou has claimed his maiden Pilecki Medal after being voted by his teammates as the St.George Queensland Reds best player in 2020.
Crowned the Vodafone Super Rugby AU MVP this season, the frontrower added the Reds’ top award to his list of achievements in 2020 following a Grand Final appearance with Queensland.
The award is named after the late legendary Queensland prop Stan Pilecki – the state’s first centurion.
Tupou polled 302 total votes across 17 games, edging out Queensland captain Liam Wright (204 votes) and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (188 votes) in third.
Due to Wallabies commitments, the award was presented in the Canberra changerooms last Saturday evening following the Reds’ Grand Final loss to the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “Well done to Taniela. This is great recognition for him after a standout season with Queensland.
“To be voted as the best player by your teammates is an honour valued most in a team.
“In my opinion, Taniela is a world-class tighthead. He outclassed his opponents this year with some dominant scrummaging. What he does on the field is freakish at times for someone his size. He’s got a damaging combination of both power and skill.
“Off the field he is a humble man with a big heart, and as a group, we couldn’t be more proud of his achievement,” said Thorn.
Along with the Pilecki Medal, the Reds presented two other awards, with Harry Wilson named Rookie of the Year and Liam Wright recognised as best displaying the Spirit of the Reds.
Queensland’s 13 debutants this year were also recognised in the sheds, as well as celebrating Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s 50th Queensland caps.
2020 Queensland Award Winners
Pilecki Medal – Taniela Tupou
Rookie of the Year – Harry Wilson
Spirit of the Reds – Liam Wright
2020 Pilecki Medal Top 10
1st – Taniela Tupou (302 votes)
2nd – Liam Wright (204 votes)
3rd – Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (188 votes)
4th – Harry Wilson (180 votes)
5th – Tate McDermott (145 votes)
6th – Fraser McReight (139 votes)
7th – James O’Connor (131 votes)
8th – Hunter Paisami (120 votes)
9th – Alex Mafi (119 votes)
10th – Filipo Daugunu (117 votes)
Pilecki Medal History
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
2020 Queensland Debutants
Henry Speight – Queensland Rep No. 1344
Harry Wilson – Queensland Rep No. 1345
Dane Zander – Queensland Rep No. 1346
Hunter Paisami – Queensland Rep No. 1347
Seru Uru – Queensland Rep No. 1348
Josh Nasser – Queensland Rep No.1349
Ed Craig – Queensland Rep No. 1350
Tuaina Taii Tualima – Queensland Rep No. 1351
Josh Flook – Queensland Rep No.1352
Jack Straker – Queensland Rep No. 1353
Zane Nonggorr – Queensland Rep No. 1354
Jethro Felemi – Queensland Rep No. 1355
Sean Farrell – Queensland Rep No. 1356
2020 Queensland Milestones
Taniela Tupou – 50th Queensland cap
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 50th Queensland cap
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