League: It had to be Ruben

Ruben Wiki

Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki won the New Zealand Rugby League's top honour of Player of the Year at the awards ceremony in Auckland last night.

Wiki topped the all-time test appearances record with 50 internationals after captaining the team to the 24-0 win over Australia last weekend and that followed his brilliant NRL season for the Warriors.

He beat Benji Marshall and Paul Whatuira in a poll of league administrators and media.

Marshall was named Rookie of the Year after his test debut in Brisbane in April and his performances for the premiership-winning Wests Tigers and he beat new Kiwis wings Manu Vatuvai and Jake Webster - the find of the tour - as the other nominees.

Canterbury Bulls centre/second rower Chris Newton, who has just been signed by Penrith, won the Bartercard Cup Player of the Year.

Best domestic junior went to Sam Rapira, ahead of another Warriors development player, Sonny Fa'i, and the Mt Albert fullback Patrick Ah Van. Top women's player was Rona Peters, 17, for a strong domestic season and as top try-scorer at the national tournament.

Kiwis coach Brian "Bluey" McClennan won the Bartercard Coach of the Year award after taking his second title with Mt Albert, where he will coach again in 2006, and also the Personality of the Year award. Must be for his winning jump.