Shannon Parry wins inaugural ‘Parry Medal’ at Super W Awards

Queensland and Australian Rugby stalwart Shannon Parry has claimed the inaugural Shannon Parry Medal, named in her honour as the Queensland Reds’ Super W player of the season.

Parry, who also won last year’s player of the year award, received the medal at tonight’s Reds Super W Awards night at Ballymore.

The honour caps a decorated career for Parry, who announced her retirement from a 13-year tenure across both Rugby Sevens and XVs earlier this year.

The 33-year-old won a Sevens Olympic Gold Medal in 2016, while she represented her country in four Rugby World Cups in the XV-a-side game.

Parry led both the Reds and Wallaroos over the last two seasons, reaching this year’s Super W Grand Final against the Fijiana Drua.

She captained Queensland in all seven fixtures in 2023, finishing as equal-leading try scorer with three five-pointers.

The backrower was among five award winners recognised as the Reds celebrated their 2023 campaign at Ballymore’s Murrayfield Room at the new National Rugby Training Centre.

Prop Bree-Anna Cheatham was named the side’s best forward, while the competition’s leading point scorer Cecilia Smith was recognised as best back.

Both were constant features in the Reds starting side, with Smith collecting a personal tally of 69 points (three tries, 18 conversions, six penalties).

Fijian flyer Heleina Young received the Spirit of the Reds award after a stunning maiden season, the winger patiently waiting to debut before scoring three tries in her first two games for Queensland.

Easts product Haidee Head was named Rookie of the Year, the 19-year-old number-eight starting in all six games for Queensland in her debut season.

Queensland's nine SUper W debutants – Sam Curtis, Haidee Head, Joana Rabaka, Deni Ross, Caitlin Urwin, Carrys Dallinger, Dianne Hinni, Christo Tofa and Helenia Young – were also recognised.
 
Queensland Reds Super W Awards 2023
 
Shannon Parry Medal – Shannon Parry
Best Back – Cecilia Smith
Best Forward – Bree-Anna Cheatham
Spirit of the Reds – Heleina Young
Rookie of the Year – Haidee Head

Queensland Reds 2023 Debutants 

- Sam Curtis
- Haidee Head
- Joana Rabaka
- Deni Ross
- Caitlin Urwin
- Carrys Dallinger
- Dianne Hinni
- Christo Tofa
- Helenia Young