24th October 2014

Rabbitohs Clive Churchill Medal winner Sam Burgess has become the first English winner of the RLIF International Player of the Year Award at a function in Brisbane. Burgess held off a group of nominees which included fellow English international James Graham, Dally M Medal winners Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne, as well as Man of Steel winner Daryl Clark, to win the prestigious award at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane. “Sam was wonderful for England in the World Cup last year and his performances for South Sydney through the NRL season were first-class, all the way to his Clive Churchill Medal effort in the grand final against Canterbury-Bankstown,” RLIF chairman Nigel Wood said. “He is a worthy recipient and deserves to be recognised for his achievements over the past year on the international stage as well as in the NRL competition.” A voting panel comprising 10 judges – five from the northern hemisphere and five from the southern hemisphere – was asked to assign votes to three players from a group of 10 nominees (five from Super League, five from the NRL), in 3-2-1 fashion. The RLIF also handed the Spirit of Rugby League Award to Peter Corcoran, primarily for his work in introducing the modified games program to rugby league. Previous recipients of the Spirit of Rugby League Award, recognising an individual’s exceptional contribution to the sport, are Maurice Oldroyd (England), David Oxley CBE (England), Ron McGregor (New Zealand), Ken Arthurson (Australia) and Paul Barriere (France).

Outgoing Rabbitohs lock-forward Sam Burgess told the rugby league media that he was humbled to receive the RLIF International Player of the year award at a press conference yesterday. “I’m really humbled to receive it,” admitted Burgess. “I think the football that we’ve seen played this year has been fantastic, so to receive the award, I’m really humbled about it.” Burgess admitted that the honour was an unexpected one, especially considering he wasn’t even meant to be in the country. But after undergoing facial surgery following his heroics in the Rabbitohs’ 21st Premiership win, Burgess’ plans were put on hold, allowing the forward to attend the event. “It’s unexpected really,” said Burgess. “I wasn’t supposed to be in the country if I’m honest – I was meant to be out of here a couple of weeks ago, but with the face, I had to stay around. But this is great is great mate.”