Maroons workhorse Reuben Cotter has become the third forward in succession to win the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series after another monumental performance in Origin III in Sydney.
Cotter played the full 80 minutes in all three matches and worked himself to a standstill with a total of 37 runs and 135 tackles across the series.
After making his Origin debut in Game One last year, the 24-year-old Cowboy came of age in 2023, claiming man of the match honours in the series opener and playing a starring role in Games Two and Three.
Cotter's success comes on the back of fellow Maroon Pat Carrigan taking home the medal in 2022 and Blues workhorse Jake Trbojevic getting the gong in 2021.
Cotter the Player of the Match
"Congrats to our boys, it’s been a great series and I’ve loved every moment with you in camp," Cotter said at the post-match presentation.
"Thanks for all the Queensland supporters for coming out tonight and the five million back home watching, thanks for supporting us and the coaching staff."
Cotter's 14 runs for 116 metres in Game Three were ultimately in vain as the Blues saved face with a 24-10 victory on home soil but the Maroons had done the job in Adelaide and Brisbane to secure a third series win in four years.
Blues v Maroons – Game 3, 2023
"He's an incredible player. I and the team value what he brings to our footy team," Maroons coach Billy Slater said post-match.
"His game is so valued in the game of rugby league, he's a warrior.
"If every team had a Reuben Cotter they'd be in a much better position."
WALLY LEWIS MEDAL WINNERS
Awarded to the player of the series since 2004
2004 – Craig Fitzgibbon (NSW)
2005 – Anthony Minichiello (NSW)
2006 – Darren Lockyer (QLD)
2007 – Cameron Smith (QLD)
2008 – Johnathan Thurston (QLD)
2009 – Greg Inglis (QLD)
2010 – Billy Slater (QLD)
2011 – Cameron Smith (QLD)
2012 – Nate Myles (QLD)
2013 – Cameron Smith (QLD)
2014 – Paul Gallen (NSW)
2015 – Corey Parker (QLD)
2016 – Cameron Smith (QLD)
2017 – Dane Gagai (QLD)
2018 – Billy Slater (QLD)
2019 – James Tedesco (NSW)
2020 – Cameron Munster (QLD)
2021 – Jake Trbojevic (NSW)
2022 – Patrick Carrigan (QLD)
2023 – Reuben Cotter (QLD)
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