Rugby Australia today announced that Georgina Friedrichs has been named the 2022 Wallaroos Player of the Year.
Friedrichs – Wallaroo number 178 – made her debut in the 2022 Pacific Four Series match against Fiji and quickly established herself as talent to watch.
Though her rugby career began with touch football, Friedrichs soon found her way to Rugby Union, starting to play Sevens when she was 18 years old.
After developing her skills in the Queensland Reds Sevens team, she made her debut for Australia in Tim Walsh’s team in 2016.
After three years on the Aussie Women’s Sevens team, Friedrichs suffered a hip injury that forced her into rehabilitation for several months.
In 2019, she made the switch to the XVs game, and has never looked back, forming part of the core leadership group that saw the Wallaroos advance to the Quarter-Finals of the Rugby World Cup last year.
“I never dreamed I’d get to the opportunity to play for my country and represent Australia at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand,” Friedrichs said.
“Being in such a new group where the talent is consistently being refined, where the program is moving with the times, is so fulfilling.
“It’s such a huge honour to be named the Wallaroos Player of the Year, the same year I debuted. I’m thankful to my husband, family and friends for supporting me on my journey.”
Friedrichs was played in each of the four Rugby World Cup matches in New Zealand last year – a testament to her hard work and resilience.
Named as the NSW Waratah’s Player’s Player in 2022, Friedrichs has long been on the radar of Wallaroos Head Coach Jay Tregonning.
“Georgina really stood out to me as one of Australia’s best outside backs in the 2022 Super W season, recognised with their Player’s Player award,” Tregonning said.
“She started, and was one of our best, in every test match in 2023. From her debut test against Fiji in May, through to the Quarter-Final against England at the Rugby World Cup.
“She has a calming presence within the leadership group, inspiring her teammates with her courage and work ethic.
“Her skills on the field and her humour have been an incredible addition to the Wallaroos squad. I look forward to seeing how she develops as a player over the 2023 season.”
