Allan Alaalatoa claims Brett Robinson Award as ACT Brumbies' players' player

It was a chance to reflect on the year that was at ACT Brumbies headquarters. It began with him standing in front of his teammates and coaching staff after being unveiled as the club's new captain.

His leadership would soon be tested in a year so nearly derailed by the coronavirus pandemic, yet it finished with him holding the Super Rugby AU trophy aloft just two days prior to boarding this bus.

Now Alaalatoa's second consecutive Brett Robinson Award as the Brumbies' players' player serves as proof the tighthead prop passed his biggest assignment with flying colours.

The 26-year-old becomes the third player to win the club's highest individual accolade on multiple occasions, joining legends George Smith [10 wins] and George Gregan [two] in the elite group.

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"It's really special. The special part about it is that award is recognised by your peers, people you spend every day of the week with," Alaalatoa said.

"It's not only the hours on the field we're working hard together, but the hours we spend off the field together. I got up at the beginning of the year and talked about my why, and I explained that to you before the final as well.

"Any time I get to pull on the jersey, a huge part of my why is the boys, and making sure I do everything I can to not let them down. To be recognised for those efforts is really special.

"I had a moment to reflect on the bus heading to the Hunter Valley. What made the year for me was the coaching staff, they created an environment where the boys loved coming to work. When you have that enjoyment, that's obviously going to bring the best out in the boys.

"I had a great leadership group that had my back with every decision I made, they were happy to challenge me with anything I had to say, they were happy to bring anything to the table they thought would benefit the group.

"I was really fortunate there, for me to make decisions and to be received well by the boys, they respected me in that way."

While Alaalatoa led the Brumbies to a title, the club's Super W season fell victim to COVID-19, but back-rower Ema Masi was honoured with the Helen Taylor Award as the side's player of the year.

Grand final hero Noah Lolesio claimed the Shawn Mackay award as the club's most outstanding young talent after bursting onto the scene and ultimately earning a Wallabies call-up. Inside centre Irae Simone was named the best back while Pete Samu's stellar season in the No. 8 jersey saw him recognised as the best forward.

Scott Sio's leadership and work with the players association during a challenging year saw him awarded the Christian Lealiifano Spirit of the Brumbies gong.

Departing scrumhalf Joe Powell claimed the supporters choice gong. Jane Garraway was the Super W supporters choice award winner, while rising star Ella Ryan rounded out the awards as the Super W outfit's most outstanding young player.

The coronavirus outbreak forced players into a rugby bubble this season but community engagement award winners Tom Wright still found ways to engage with charity partner Communities at Work and the Galilee School, catering for high school students disengaged with mainstream schooling.

BRETT ROBINSON AWARDS

Brett Robinson players' player: Allan Alaalatoa

Helen Taylor Super W player of the year: Ema Masi

Christian Lealiifano Spirit of the Brumbies: Scott Sio

Super W most outstanding young player: Ella Ryan

Shawn Mackay most outstanding young talent: Noah Lolesio

Supporters choice: Joe Powell

Super W supporters choice: Jane Garraway

Best back: Irae Simone

Best forward: Pete Samu

Community engagement award: Tom Wright