Former ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has backed Henry Speight to stamp himself as one of the world's best wingers after bucking a flanker trend to win the Brett Robinson Award on Saturday night.
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Speight was crowned the Brumbies' player of the year at an awards function, which doubled as Larkham's last official duties with the club after taking a job as a full-time Wallabies assistant.
The Brumbies' top prize, named in honour of inaugural skipper Brett Robinson, has been dominated by openside flankers, including George Smith's remarkable 10 gongs.
But Fijian flyer Speight has shattered the reputation wingers are only good for scoring tries, becoming just the second speedster in Brumbies history to win the club's top individual prize.
Speight was outstanding in his Super Rugby comeback season after putting most of his energy into chasing an Olympic Games dream with the Australian sevens team last year.
He was one of only two players to start every game, scoring seven tries and recapturing his best form to cement a place in the Wallabies squad.
But the 29-year-old is still searching for a breakout international performance, and Larkham is adamant Speight is on the verge of something special when the Wallabies play South Africa next weekend.
"I think Henry was very motivated this year, there was no doubt about that," Larkham said.
"He wanted to get back into the Wallabies and perform more consistently at that next level, and he carried that motivation into Brumbies games.
"He connected extremely well with the players this year and started to find his voice in the team. Maybe off the back of that, it gave him even more motivation.
"It all added up for him this year and I really think he's finding his feet at the next level. That's his goal and I think his Super Rugby form is definitely carrying into the international season for him."
Brumbies and Wallabies great Joe Roff is the only other winger to win the Brett Robinson Award.
Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa was named the Brumbies' best forward after a breakout year, while Joe Powell claimed the best back prize.
"Allan worked hard on his scrumming, picked things up well and learnt really well. He made mistakes, but changed it quickly," Larkham said.
"Sometimes it's difficult to switch sides of the scrum and you loose that energy and dynamic play, but he kept learning every week."
Rookie flyhalf Wharenui Hawera won the Shawn Mackay most outstanding new talent award after starting every game in his first Super Rugby season.
Hawera missed just 25 minutes in the Brumbies season after being plucked from obscurity to take the chief playmaker duties while Christian Lealiifano was recovering from leukaemia.
"That was impressive for his first year ... he came from an amateur environment and honestly we didn't think he would last three games at the start of the year," Larkham said.
"But he proved us all wrong and became more durable as the season went on. Guys can learn a big lesson from the way he approached this year."
His halves partner Powell also won the supporter's choice award and Tom Cusack was the community player.
Larkham's last act as Brumbies coach was winning the Gary Quinlivan award for service to rugby as the Super Rugby champion and World Cup winner steps into a new role after spending almost all of the past 21 years at the Brumbies.
"It was probably more emotional straight after we lost the final ... it started to sink in then," Larkham said.
"But it did come to a close [on Saturday]. It's been emotional and there have been a few farewells, but it was more about recognising the achievement of the season we had.
"I know the club is set up for a strong future and the coaching staff and playing group will stick together, so that allows you to move into another area."
Dan McKellar will replace Larkham as coach, while Laurie Fisher rejoins the back-room staff and David Pocock and Lealiifano will make playing comebacks.
ACT BRUMBIES AWARD WINNERS
Brett Robinson Award: Henry Speight
Best back: Joe Powell
Best forward: Allan Alaalatoa
Shawn Mackay most outstanding new talent: Wharenui Hawera
Supporters' choice award: Joe Powell
Community player: Tom Cusack
Gary Quinlivan award: Stephen Larkham
