Wallabies star George Smith can scoop Australian rugby's awards pool following a magnificent 2008 after being named as one of five finalists for the Medal of Excellence.

Smith, last year's winner of the Rugby Union Player's Association award, has been nominated again along with fellow flanker David Pocock, No.8 Wycliff Palu, centre Berrick Barnes and winger Peter Hynes.

The 96-Test veteran has already picked up the Brumbies player of the year, the Australian Super 14 player of 2008 and the John Eales Medal as the best Wallaby following a brilliant season.

The medal will be presented at a RUPA luncheon in Sydney on Friday week.

Smith's nomination on Thursday came after he captained the Wallabies to a 18-11 win over the Barbarians at Wembley.

He's one of only four winners of the Medal for Excellence since its inception by RUPA in 2001 with George Gregan (3), Nathan Sharpe (2) and Brendan Cannon also picking up the gong.

The award, voted on by all 132 Australian Super 14 players, honours on-field achievements as well as recognising efforts to make a difference in the community.

While Zimbabwe-born Test rookie Pocock, who has his sights set on Smith's No.7 jersey, has played just two Tests, his charity work off the field has made him a worthy finalist.

The 20-year-old Western Force forward has established a charity in Africa and is also an active member of his church as well as sponsor and ambassador for World Vision.

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