Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney. Photo / Getty Images
BRISBANE - Organisers of the inaugural International Player of the Year awards denied there had been an intention to snub New Zealand rugby league at a gala dinner in Brisbane on Monday night.
However, the event would be reviewed to see if changes needed to be made in
future, World Cup communications manager John Brady said.
The Kiwi camp came away from the Rugby League International Federation dinner upset at what they saw as a lack of recognition for New Zealand.
Former Kangaroo greats Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Allan Langer and Kangaroo coach Ricky Stuart, and ex-Great Britain stars Malcolm Reilly and Mike Stephenson were called up to present awards, but no New Zealanders were.
This was despite the fact that the guests at the dinner included former Kiwi skipper Ruben Wiki, the holder of a world record 55 caps, and New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney.
However, Brady said no snub was intended.
He said the presenters were locked in some time ago, with one of the considerations being the likelihood of their availability in Brisbane at the time of the awards.
He also said there was recognition of the Kiwis throughout the night, and recognition of both World Cup final skippers, Australian Darren Lockyer and Kiwi Nathan Cayless, who were both called up to the stage.
Australia dominated the awards, with Kiwi Manu Vatuvei, who took home the Winger of the Year accolade, being the only New Zealand winner.
The main prize, Player of the Year, was won by Kangaroo fullback Billy Slater from a list of nominations that contained four Australians and four Britons.
- NZPA
