There was no masking the Queensland Reds' disappointment at the Super Rugby Awards in Sydney.
Despite winning four out of the five major trophies at the gala event - including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year - the franchise still felt they had fallen short of their own expectations.
Queensland and Wallabies captain James Horwill told SBS that his side would swap all their accolades for a chance to defend their Super Rugby title.
“We would rather have no awards and have our hands on the Super Rugby Trophy again,” Mr Horwill confessed.
The lock was adamant he didn't want to dwell on this season. Instead he preferred a more immediate turn around for the Reds next year in provincial rugby.
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“The disappointing thing is we know we are a better team than what we put out there,” Mr Horwill said.
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie, who was named Coach of the Year for the fourth time, conceded the result was disappointing compared to last year's success, but hinted there was a great deal his side could take out of season 2011.
“I think their character has come through. I'm proud of the culture at the organisation… I'm sure the crowd will be there bigger and better next year.”
Reds scrumhalf Will Genia became just the third player to be named best Australian player in Super Rugby for two consecutive seasons.
But the the 24-year old said he was surprised that his name was called out for the second year running.
“I feel there are more deserving players that could be carrying the trophy,” he said.
The Wallabies scrumhalf said Red's teammate Scott Higginbotham and injured Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano were his pick as the season's best.
James Horwill believed Genia was a worthy winner and praised his humble scrumhalf.
“Will's impact is astonishing…he takes the chances that you need to," he said.
"One of the reasons we were so successful at the end of the season was because of his guidance and the way he was playing.”
The Brumbies' Joseph Tomane broke the Reds' stranglehold on this year's awards ceremony.
He claimed Rookie of the Year honours after a break through opening year with the Canberra-based franchise.
