James Fisher-Harris and the Kiwis celebrate winning the Pacific Championships Cup Grand Final in 2023. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Test players James Fisher-Harris and Georgia Hale have been named the men's and women's players of the year for New Zealand Rugby League.
Last week the pair were named the respective winners of international rugby league's Golden Boot awards.
Kiwis captain Fisher-Harris is the first prop to win the award since its inception in 1984 and will add the IRL Golden Boot to the Pacific Cup medal he received after leading the Kiwis to a record 30-0 defeat of the Kangaroos and his third consecutive NRL premiership ring with Penrith.
Hale is the first forward to win the women's award.
The IRL Golden Boot is awarded each year to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches.
In her ninth season of international rugby league, Hale took home Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year as well as the 2023 IRL Golden Boot award.
Hale led the Kiwi Ferns break a seven-year drought with their recent win against the Jillaroos. Hale topped the tackle count, producing 130 tackles and 388 run metres over the international season.
NZRL GM of Football & High-Performance Motu Tony says: "The impact both Georgia and Fish have not only on their teammates but their communities especially here in New Zealand is inspiring."
Kiwi Ferns league player and 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, Georgia Hale. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
Matthew Timoko playing for the Ellerslie Eagles juniors won rookie of the year.
He recorded one try, 416 run metres, and 14 tackle breaks throughout the Pacific Championships campaign.
Annessa Biddle takes home Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year.
Biddle was instrumental in the victory against Tonga's women, producing one try, 135 run metres, and 24 tackles.
Rocco Berry won the Kiwis A Player of the Year after a stellar test match against the Tonga A men.
2023 New Zealand Rugby League Award Winners
New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year - James Fisher-Harris
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year - Georgia Hale
New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year - Matthew Timoko
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year - Annessa Biddle
New Zealand Kiwis A Player of the Year - Rocco Berry