Kiwi Fern Raecene McGregor takes top award. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Off the back of impressive international seasons Joseph Manu and Raecene McGregor have both been awarded Player of the Year at the New Zealand Rugby League awards.
Breakout performances at debut world cup campaigns see Dylan Brown and Brianna Clark take home the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year awards and Ronaldo Mulitalo is named Kiwis Young Player of the Year.
Manu ended season solidifying his status as one of the best players in rugby league.
He impressed at fullback for the Kiwis, playing out of his usual centre position, earning MVP of three out of six Kiwis' internationals for the year.
The Tokoroa star ran a world record 401 metres in the mid-season Test against Tonga and ran more than 300m in each of his five world cup appearances, scoring three tries.
Kiwis head coach Michael Maguire said Manu was a special player who had made his mark as one of the best in the world.
"In a year that's seen him take home a Dally M, a Golden Boot and now the Player of the Year for his country, he's well on his way to becoming one of the great Kiwi players."
McGregor earned herself Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year after a strong 2022 season.
The premier half claimed the 2022 Dally M award and the prestigious Golden Boot.
McGregor led the Kiwi Ferns to a world cup final and scored three tries with seven try-assists and six line-breaks throughout her international season.
"Rae is one of those rare players, a leader and a playmaker who's the best in her position," Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said.
"Having her in our campaigns gave the girls a lot of confidence. Her ability to manage a game effectively and make players around her play well are special talents. She's had a fantastic year and I can't think of anyone more deserving."
Brown debuted for the Kiwis in June and produced two try-assists, 94 metres, and 27 tackles in the 26-6 victory against Tonga.
The 22-year-old went on to feature in four matches at the RLWC, scoring his first Test try against Lebanon and dotting down again in a standout individual performance in the semi-final loss to Australia.
"Dylan has had an outstanding year full of career milestones, and he's only just getting started," Maguire said.
"He is an integral member of our Kiwi spine alongside last year's Player of the Year, Jahrome Hughes. As they spend more time together in the Kiwi jersey, they're well on their way to becoming one of the strongest pairings in Test football."
Clark was awarded Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year after a breakout world cup campaign.
She was a standout, kicking seven goals across the opening two pool wins against France and Cook Islands despite starting on the bench.
Clark came into the front row for the group-stage classic against Australia and scored a try in the semi-final defeat of England.
"Bri was instrumental for us; she stood out in every game she played," Henry said.
"She led from the front, put her body on the line and brought energy and momentum to every play. She's a special player and we're lucky to have her in our squad."
Ronaldo Mulitalo is named Kiwis Young Player of the Year. Photo: Will Palmer / www.photosport.nz
Mulitalo was named Kiwis Junior Player of the Year, an accolade that looks at both NRL and international performance.
He flourished out wide for Cronulla in 2022, producing 30 line-breaks and scoring 17 tries in 24 games (equal-third in the NRL) as the club powered to a top-four finish.
The Ellerslie Eagles junior had a stellar Test debut against Tonga where he scored, made two line-breaks and ran for 147 metres.
Mulitalo then shone on the world cup stage, scoring tries against Ireland and Fiji, before producing a brilliant display in the Kiwis' semi-final exit, capping off an impressive year for the 22-year-old.
Roko Nailolo was awarded Kiwis Physical Disability Player of the Year.
Nailolo was sensational at the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup, scoring a hattrick in 12 minutes against Australia and leading the team to a World Cup final against England. He was an integral playmaker in every game and arguably the best in the competition.
