Smith wins eighth Players Player Award

[travelling_gerry]

July 5, 2009 - 6:46AM


Brumbies and Wallabies openside flanker George Smith has won his eighth Brett Robinson Players Player Award.

The 28-year-old finished the Super 14 rugby season with 204 votes, ahead of fullback Mark Gerrard (183), prop Ben Alexander (176) and flyhalf Christian Lealiifano (119) to claim the award for the seventh consecutive year.

Smith has played 119 of the Brumbies last 120 matches, including the last 53 consecutively.

"Every coach would love to have a George Smith in their side," Brumbies boss Andy Friend told the awards dinner on Saturday night.

"He's a player that continually exceeds the expectations placed upon him at any level whether it be playing club rugby, with the Brumbies or at Test level for the Wallabies."

The evening also featured a tribute to Brumbies lock Shawn Mackay, who died in April after being struck by a car during the side's South African leg in March.

In the evening's other awards, prop Ben Alexander was named Best Forward while Mark Gerrard was recognised as Best Back for a second successive season.
© 2009 AAP


http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/

[Burgs]

Well done George
Great to see Forwards featuring around the comp, it bodes well for Australian Rugby as we have no dramas breeding the pretty boys.

[mudskipper]

George must have it fixed 8 years now... Well done Gerrardo...