Hayne named Player of the Year
JARRYD Hayne's season from heaven just got even sweeter after he was named the International Player of the Year at a rugby league gala dinner in Leeds.
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JARRYD Hayne's season from heaven just got even sweeter after he was named the International Player of the Year in Leeds today.
After claiming the Dally M Medal for his mesmeric feats for Parramatta during the NRL season, the 21-year-old staved off challenges from Kangaroos teammates Greg Inglis and Billy Slater to be named the world's best player.
He received the accolade from Great Britain captain Ellery Hanley at a gala dinner in Leeds a short time ago.The award - not to be confused with the Golden Boot award - is judged by a 16-strong panel of journalists, broadcasters and former coaches and international players split equally between the two hemispheres.
They took into account Hayne's inspirational games for Fiji in last year's World Cup, his performances in a losing NSW side during this year's State of Origin series and his magic ride of six consecutive man-of-the-matches that delivered the Eels the most unlikely of grand final appearances against the Storm.
While he has been quiet during the Four Nations tournament so far, he has the potential to be a real danger for the Kangaroos when they meet England in the final at Elland Road on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, NRL whisteblower Shayne Hayne has been named the international referee of the year - but it might not ensure he is in control of the Four Nations decider.
A political dogfight is still being wagered over whether Hayne or England referee Steve Ganson be in charge of the match. Kiwi referees boss Ian Mackintosh will cast the deciding vote, but could not be contacted by Four Nations officials.
Intriguingly, Storm coach Craig Bellamy beat his assistant, Stephen Kearney, to the coach of the year honour. Bellamy was recognised for claiming the NRL premiership after guiding his side to its fourth consecutive grand final.
But Kearney almost pipped him having performed a minor miracle as New Zealand coach in last year's World Cup, when the Kiwis shocked Australia in the final at Suncorp Stadium.
The Rugby League International Federation also made a special award to former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson, for the significant contribution he has made to the game. A humbled Arthurson was on hand to accept the award.
THE WINNERS
International Player of the Year: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta and Australia). Shortlisted: Greg Inglis (Melbourne and Australia), Billy Slater (Melbourne and Australia).
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Hall (Leeds and England). Shortlisted: Michael Jennings (Penrith and Australia), Richie Myler (Salford and England).
Referee of the Year: Shayne Hayne (Australia). Shortlisted: Steve Ganson (England), Ashley Klein (Australia).
Coach of the Year: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne and NSW). Shortlisted: Stephen Kearney (New Zealand), Kevin Moore (Sydney Bulldogs).
Team of the Year:
Full-back: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta and Australia).
Winger: Ryan Hall (Leeds and England).
Centre: Greg Inglis (Melbourne and Australia).
Stand-off: Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers and New Zealand).
Prop: Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta and New Zealand).
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne and Australia).
Second row: Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers and England).
Loose forward: Kevin Sinfield (Leeds and England).
Coach of the Year
Winner: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne and NSW).
Shortlisted: Stephen Kearney (New Zealand), Kevin Moore (Sydney Bulldogs)
Nations Player of the Year
Cook Islands:
Karl Temata
Czech Republic:
Josef Kucera
Estonia:
Alex Janov
Fiji:
Jarryd Hayne
France:
Olivier Elima
Germany:
Jimmy Keinhorst
Ireland:
Damien Blanch
Italy:
Giovanni Franchi
Jamaica:
Roy Calvert
Japan:
Hiroshi MIyazak
Latvia:
Kristaps Jakushs
Lebanon:
Ramy Rassi
PNG:
David Mead
Russian:
Nikolay Zagoskin
Samoa:
Kylie Leuluai
Scotland:
Iain Morrison
Serbia:
Soni Radovanovic
South Africa:
Andre Loader
Tonga:
Richard Fa'aoso
Ukraine:
Mikhail Troyan
USA:
Siose Muliumu
Wales:
Jordan James
RLIF Spirit of Rugby League Award
Recipient: Ken Arthurson.