Queensland front-rower James Slipper has become only the second prop to win the Pilecki Medal for Reds Players’ Player of the Year.
Six years after prop Rodney Blake claimed the honour, Slipper, 23, emerged victorious at the Reds presentation in Brisbane on Friday night thanks to a record 272 votes ahead of Scott Higginbotham (226), Liam Gill (202) and Jake Schatz (168).
Slipper’s haul bettered the previous record of 263 set by Will Genia when he won the medal last year.
The medal was decided by votes given on a 3-2-1 by players following each game.
Slipper polled in the top three for votes in eight matches throughout the season, including four of their final five regular season games.
“Recognition from your peers it the ultimate accolade any footballer can receive and it’s this which makes the Pilecki Medal such an important award within our group,” Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said.