League: More awards glory for Johnson?

Shaun Johnson is among the nominees for Kiwis player of the year. Photo / Getty

Golden Boot winner Shaun Johnson will face strong challenges from national captain Simon Mannering and prop Jesse Bromwich for 2014 Kiwis Player of the Year.

The international player categories will attract most attention at next week's New Zealand Rugby League Awards in Auckland.

Johnson was a standout during last year's Four Nations triumph and received the prestigious Golden Boot from Rugby League World magazine in December.

But his achievements in the black jersey will have been weighed against Mannering's outstanding form across the entire season, when he was named Warriors Player of the Year for the fourth time, and Bromwich's elevation among the best front rowers in the game.

Honours for Kiwis Rookie of the Year come down to a contest among fullback Peta Hiku, second row Jason Taumalolo and prop Marty Taupau, all big contributors to the Four Nations success.

In a year when new Kiwi Ferns coach Rusty Matua introduced several rookies to the national team, veteran Sarina Fiso is up against newcomers Teuila Fotu-Moala and Atawhai Tupaea for Women's Player of the Year.

New Zealand Rugby League Awards finalists:

Kiwis Player of the Year - Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Simon Mannering (Warriors)
Kiwis Rookie of the Year - Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers)
Junior Player of the Year - Bradley Abbey (Warriors), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Sam Lisone (Warriors)
Domestic Player of the Year - Jethro Friend (Counties Manukau), Ken Tofilau (Southern), Cody Walker (Akarana)
Women's Player of the Year - Sarina Fiso (Counties Manukau), Teuila Fotu-Moala (Counties Manukau), Atawhai Tupaea (Counties Manukau)