'Means the world to me': Rob Valetini joins Brumbies greats with 2021 Brett Robinson Award

The devastating back-rower has claimed the Brumbies' Brett Robinson Players' Player of the Year award to cap off a stellar Super Rugby campaign.

The 23-year-old becomes the second-youngest winner of the Brumbies most prestigious award behind George Smith, who claimed his first of 10 Brett Robinson Awards in 2001.

The COVID-19 pandemic robbed the Brumbies of an official awards function, instead crowning Valetini from afar while he is in camp with the Wallabies in Queensland.

"It's an honour to receive this award and join some of the greats who have held it before," Valetini said.

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"I had some honest conversations with the coaches before this season and I went into it wanting to do my best for the team and perform more consistently.

"Playing a team sport is never about individual awards but to be recognised by my teammates and our members is extremely special.

"The challenge now is to continue to deliver on and off the field and I'm already really excited about being involved in the Super Rugby Pacific competition next year."

Tom Banks earned best back for the second time in his career, Cadeyrn Neville claimed best forward, and Wallabies rookie Lachie Lonergan was named the Shawn Mackay Most Outstanding Young Talent.

There was little doubt Valetini would claim the highest accolade, securing a prized double with the members choice award to boot.

He started every match this year and played starring roles throughout. He would have been crowned man of the match in the Super Rugby AU grand final if not for Queensland's last-gasp triumph.

"Rob joined us as a teenager out of high school and this year we got to see a glimpse of just how good he can be," Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.

"His application to improving every day on and off the field has been pleasing to see and his hard work in pre-season and training showed through on game day.

"He's a tremendous talent, still a young man and after a few years of bad luck with injuries, we're all just really happy for Rob to join a list of quality players who have won this award."

Among that illustrious group is Christian Lealiifano, who now has an award named in his honour at Brumbies headquarters.

The Christian Lealiifano Spirit of the Brumbies award honours his impact on the club and recognises a player who exemplifies the Brumbies ethos in everything they do.

That man this year was Darcy Swain, selected for his dedication to the Brumbies' pillars which hang from the club gym, paving the way for his Test debut for the Wallabies.

Super Rugby rookie Tom Hooper rounds out the award winners with a double of his own, claiming the Graham Gordan Memorial Trophy for the ACT's best and fairest under 20s's player as well as the community engagement award.

ACT BRUMBIES AWARDS 2021

Brett Robinson Players Player Award: Rob Valetini

Members Choice: Rob Valetini

Best back: Tom Banks

Best forward: Cadeyrn Neville

Shawn Mackay Most Outstanding Young Talent Award: Lachlan Lonergan

Christian Lealiifano Spirit of the Brumbies: Darcy Swain

Community Engagement Award: Tom Hooper

Graham Gordan Memorial Trophy for the ACT Best and Fairest U20's Player: Tom Hooper

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