Clive Churchill mix-up: JWH told he'd won medal
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Jared Waerea-Hargreaves waited by the side of the stage on Sunday night after being informed that he was about to receive the Clive Churchill Medal.
In a night of drama at ANZ Stadium, there was plenty of confusion around the winner of the man of the match award which resulted in the Roosters prop being misinformed.
Waerea-Hargreaves had been given the courtesy of a brief heads-up before the winner was announced, with Channel Nine cameras in front of him ready to go as soon as the award was announced.
However much to Waerea-Hargreaves' surprise, Jack Wighton's name was read out by Channel Nine's James Bracey on stage.
The judging panel consisting of Australian coach Mal Meninga and his selectors Darren Lockyer and Laurie Daley - however Lockyer was unable to be contacted for his votes for an extended period at the conclusion of the match.
It's understood when Waerea-Hargreaves was informed, he was leading or at least level in the voting, however Lockyer's votes saw Wighton claim the award.
Wighton wins Clive Churchill Medal
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, who was on stage as one of the official party members, was seen approaching Bracey to pass on a message just before the award was announced.
It's understood Greenberg notified him of the final count, which was met with jeers from the Sydney Roosters faithful.
"The best player on the field got the award tonight," Stuart said.
"Whether those people out there who booed agree with or not, Jack didn't pick it. Three legends of our game pick that award and I think they know a little bit more than the wombats sitting behind the goal post."
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says his side is accustomed to the occasional boo and put his fans' reaction down to the nature of sport.
"Jack was incredible tonight," Robinson said.
"That's a player. That guy can play footy. That's a legend player, and he deserved that award. For individuals, we've been booed a bit this week. Booed a bit last week. It happens in life. It means people are passionate and they want to watch. It's what happens."
