John Eales Medallists and the Force

[Tazzmania]

Huge congrats to the big man, and what is a well deserved accolation for a superstar, scholar and gentleman.

If I am not mistaken, this is the fourth time in our short history that a player who played for the Force in that year won the medal

Sharpe 2007
Giteau 2009
Pocock 2011

Sharpe 2012

Not a bad stat

[Dramoth]

A massive win for the big fella. All but washed up after the RWC and fully deserved to retire with honour after the last super season. So for him to come out and win, even if he was only called back into the green and gold because of injuries.

I hope that he can lead Australia to victory in the autumn tour up here.

I am hoping to be able to get to Cardiff for the Wales game with my rugby mad welsh housemate.

[sandgroperrugby]

Wow talk about going out on top. Congrats to th big fella.

[doobie69]

Awesome- a gentleman and true sporting legend. Well done Sharpie!!

[Rex Messup]

Clear evidence that you are as young as the woman you are feeling

Sharpie must be into something devilishly young and vivaceous...........lucky b@stard

[hertryk]

A STAND AT NIB JUST HAS TO BE NAMED AFTER HIM.... WELL DONE SHARPIE... ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT...

AND NO MY MINI IS NOT FOR SALE

[The InnFORCEr]

Eales always knew Sharpe had the goods
ADRIAN WARREN

From the time Wallabies legend John Eales first looked towering teenager Nathan Sharpe in the eye, he knew he had the makings of something special.

That feeling was proven right again on Thursday when 34-year-old Sharpe continued the amazing Indian summer of his revitalised career by winning a second John Eales Medal as the Wallabies' players' player.

"I don't think anyone would have picked it to end the way it has, but it's certainly very nice," Sharpe said.

"I want to be a guy that blokes want to play with and that's what that award means, I suppose.

"But I'd always take team success before individual success."

Following a couple of postponements, Sharpe will finally draw the curtain on his career after captaining Australian on their four-match spring tour of Europe this month.

He will leave the game as Australia's most-capped forward and with more Test appearances than any other lock in rugby history, though he didn't discover the latter fact until Thursday's medal presentation.

Sharpe and dual World Cup-winning lock Eales have between them dominated the Australian lineout over the past two decades, though they just missed out on playing a Test together.

They were teammates at Queensland, which Sharpe described as "pretty cool, pretty special".

However, Eales retired from Test rugby in 2001 and Sharpe started his international career the following year.

From the first time he met Sharpe, Eales had no doubt he was destined to enjoy an illustrious career.

"I remember the first time I met Sharpey would have been at Southport School and I went to present an award," Eales told AAP.

"He was a 15-year-old kid and I'd been playing Test rugby for a few years and there I was looking him in the eye thinking it wouldn't be far away before he is out here."
Sharpe also recalled that first meeting.

"I still have a photo of Ealesy presenting that jersey to me and I had a full head of hair," joked the bald-headed Sharpe.

Injuries to experienced locks James Horwill and Dan Vickerman prompted Sharpe to twice extend an international career he originally planned to end last June.

"I think what he's shown, which we all know to be a fact, is that age is not the relevant measure," said Eales, who retired at 31.

"It's your commitment, your ability to actually contribute in the team.

"Why has he been able to do that? He's resilient, he's persistent and he's bright and that last point just can't be over-emphasised.

"Its such an important point that a lot of people sort of wash over.

"He's astute about the game and the way he prepares and the way he plays."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/i...-had-the-goods

[hertryk]

Couldn't have put it better myself...

[Hansie]

Sharpe for P.M.

[Flying 14]

Thanks Sharpie for being such a great club man. You will forever be remembered in WA as a champion, a gentleman and a leader. It is great to see you leaving the game with the honour you deserve.
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[blueandblack]

A STAND AT NIB JUST HAS TO BE NAMED AFTER HIM.... WELL DONE SHARPIE... ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT...

AND NO MY MINI IS NOT FOR SALE

How about the main stand (since it is quite tall, like one Sharpe, N.)?

[hertryk]

Judging from the photo's ... certainly NOT a very "formal" affair.. Sharpie looks as though he went on his own... Probably lost my number...

[GIGS20]

how do you think things are going in the Deans household at the moment? after doing everything he could to kill Sharpie's career, the great man has not only been honourable in serving up the humble pie, but proven himself the best player in the team

the deans's cat better watch out. i can sense severe kicking in its future.
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[shasta]

What an impressive person he is. He's been the heart and soul of the Force. Now he's going out as a true champion and IMO the equal of John Eales with daylight second. Should have been skipper immediatly after Gregan and the only reason he wasn't was payback for heading West.
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[Burgs]

Captain my Captain