Australian fullback Billy Slater was named the Rugby League International Federation's inaugural player of the year at an awards ceremony here on Monday.

Slater, one of the stars of the Kangaroos' rampant progress through the current World Cup here to Saturday's final against New Zealand, played in the Centenary Test against New Zealand in May and in all three State of Origin games in Queensland's series win over New South Wales.

Manly's premiership-winning Des Hasler was named Coach of the Year and Slater's club Melbourne Storm provided four of the 10 players in the award team with Israel Folau chosen as centre, Greg Inglis standoff and Cameron Smith hooker.

The Team of the Year, chosen by former players and media representatives from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, comprised seven members of Ricky Stuart's Kangaroos, one Kiwi, and two English players.

The team was determined on performances in Australia's NRL and the English Super League, including their grand finals between October 2007 and October 2008.

Team of the Year:

Fullback: Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)

Winger: Manu Vatuvei (NZ Warriors)

Centre: Israel Folau (Melbourne Storm)

AFP

Standoff: Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm)

Scrumhalf: Scott Prince (Gold Coast Titans)

Loose forward: Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)

Second Row: Gareth Ellis (Leeds, England) and Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast Titans).

Front Row: James Graham (St Helens, England).

Hooker: Cam Smith (Melbourne Storm)

Coach of the Year: Des Hasler (Manly).

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