Dual international Sonny Bill Williams has capped his spectacular return to rugby league by being named the world's best player.
The Kiwis second rower was named the Rugby League International Federation player of the year in an awards dinner in Manchester.
He beat fellow nominees Kangaroos star Greg Inglis and Scotland international and Super League player of the year Danny Brough for the top prize.
Following the award, Williams became quite emotional when he was serenaded by his team-mates with a haka.
Williams helped the Sydney Roosters to the NRL Premiership after returning to league after five years in rugby.
In winning the awards Williams broke an Australian stranglehold on the honour with Billy Slater twice, Jarryd Hayne, Todd Carney Cameron Smith the previous winners since it was established six years ago.
Williams was one three Kiwis named in the team of the year along with winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke.
