AAP Rugby

Queensland prop Cotter receives Wally Lewis Medal

By AAP Newswire

Jul 12, 2023

addo — Queensland's Reuben Cotter (c) was named man of the series in the Maroons' 2-1 State of Origin win. -AAP Image

Queensland prop Reuben Cotter has received the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player of the 2023 State of Origin series.

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The voting panel of Queensland legends Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer and Blues great Laurie Daley adjudged Cotter the most influential player in a Maroons-dominated series after NSW won game three on Wednesday night.

Cotter had previously earned man-of-the-match honours after the first game, where he played big minutes following an injury to Tom Gilbert midway through the first half.

Cotter's versatility came to the fore in his first full series for the Maroons - he started in both the front and second rows across the series but remained one of the side's most consistent performers.

"It's been a great series, I have loved every moment with you in camp," Cotter said.

"I just want to say thanks to all the Queensland supporters for coming out tonight and to the five million back home watching thanks for supporting us all the way through."

It marks the second year in a row that a Queensland forward has won the medal after Patrick Carrigan took it home in his debut series last year.

Cotter's teammate in the middle of the park Lindsay Collins earned man-of-the-match in the second game in a big win to Queensland at Suncorp Stadium that secured the series.

NSW five-eighth Cody Walker earned the nod in Origin III, won 24-10 by the Blues.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press