RLIF Awards

The RLIF Awards are the Rugby League International Federation's annual major international sporting award for rugby league. Since 2004 the awards ceremony recognises the best referee, coach, developing nations player, international newcomer, captain and a team of the year.

In 2007, the RLIF did not organise any awards. To fill the gap, Rugby League World magazine asked its Golden Boot panel to come up with winners in the existing categories used by the RLIF.

Coinciding with the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, the RLIF Awards were rebranded and the old award system was replaced.

Player of the Year
Described as rugby league's most prestigious individual honour, the International Player of the Year award is given to the world’s best player as voted upon by an international judging panel comprising journalists, broadcasters and former international players drawn from both the northern and southern hemispheres.

International Newcomer of the Year

 * 2004 Sonny Bill Williams, New Zealand
 * 2005 Manu Vatuvei, New Zealand
 * 2006 Greg Inglis, Australia
 * 2007 Israel Folau, Australia (awarded by Rugby League World)

Developing Nations Player of the Year

 * 2004 Jamal Fakir, France
 * 2005 Jamal Fakir, France
 * 2006 Wes Naiqama, Fiji
 * 2007 George Ndaira, Lebanon (awarded by Rugby League World)

International Back of the Year

 * 2004 Darren Lockyer, Australia
 * 2005 Anthony Minichiello, Australia
 * 2006 Darren Lockyer, Australia
 * 2007 Johnathan Thurston, Australia (awarded by Rugby League World)

International Forward of the Year

 * 2004 Andrew Farrell, England
 * 2005 Stuart Fielden, England
 * 2006 Jamie Peacock, England
 * 2007 Jamie Peacock, England (awarded by Rugby League World)