Manchester - New Zealand forward Sonny Bill Williams has been voted rugby league's International Player of the Year, beating Scotland's Danny Brough and Australia's Greg Inglis to the award.
Williams played a key role in the Sydney Roosters' title-winning campaign in this year's Australian National Rugby League and is part of the New Zealand team that is looking to retain the World Cup by beating Australia in Saturday's final at Manchester.
Only Australian players have won the accolade since its inception in 2008.
Williams, who has also represented the All Blacks in rugby union, claimed the award at a gala dinner of the Rugby League International Federation in Manchester on Wednesday.