Wallaby Kurtley Beale wins Eales Medal

Fullback Kurtley Beale has won the John Eales Medal, one of the most coveted accolades in Australian sport, emphasising his growing importance to the Wallabies ahead of this month's World Cup. In a vote among his teammates for matches over the past 12 months, Beale polled 127 votes, five more than hooker Stephen Moore, with openside flanker and last year's winner David Pocock a further 22 votes back in third place. Initially a fly-half when he entered the Super Rugby ranks with the NSW Waratahs in 2007, Beale, 22, has flourished since switching to fullback last year. His elusive running set up numerous tries and scoring opportunities, while his goalkicking contribution was highlighted by a long range match-winning penalty against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2010. Scrum-half Will Genia, who previously won the Queensland and Australian Super Player of the Year awards, was named the 'Australia's Choice' Wallabies Player of the Year, also announced late Thursday. ACT Brumbies utility back Pat McCabe collected the Rookie of the Year award, after making his debut off the bench against Italy late last year. The John Eales Medal is handed out annually to honour the best Australian rugby union player of the year. Launched in 2002, it is jointly awarded by the Australian Rugby Union and the Rugby Union Players Association and has become one of the most sought after awards in Australian sport.