JARRYD Hayne has been judged the best player in the world. And even he wonders how he's done it.
"Some of the things I've done ... I don't know what I've done it," Hayne said after being crowned the International Player of the Year.
"When I score great tries, that's why I get carried away with the celebrations.
"I'm like a fan in the crowd wondering, 'What did I just do?'.
"When the replays that come on, I wonder what I just did. It gets like that. I feel very blessed. Very humbled. To do the things that I do.
"The thrill I get is something that I can't compare."
At a gala dinner in Leeds, with former Great Britain captain Ellery Hanley handing over the trophy, Hayne won narrowly from the man many believe to be the best in the world now -- centre Greg Inglis.
Billy Slater, who is keeping Hayne out of his regular position and keeping him on right wing for Australia, was also shortlisted.
It's been some year for the Parramatta superstar.
From Australian discard, to Fijian hero during the World Cup, to a player struggling out of position at five-eighth for the Eels, to NSW's best player in a losing Origin series, to six man-of-the-match performances that elevated the Eels to an unlikely grand final appearance and delivered Hayne the Dally M Medal.
What would top it off, of course, is victory for the Kangaroos in the Four Nations final against England at Elland Road at the weekend. Hayne admits he has been quiet during the tournament, but is ready to make his mark.
"Its been a bit tough," he admitted. "Since Origin, it's been a long-time between drinks obviously with the form I showed at fullback, but I know my position in the team now.
"I'll play anywhere."
Despite the best player in the world playing out of position, the award continues Hayne's magical carpet.
This accolade is judged by a 16-strong panel of journalists, broadcasters and former coaches and international players split equally between the two hemispheres.
That said, this award should not be confused with the time-honoured Golden Boot gong, which was founded in 1985 by Rugby League World magazine. Interestingly, Hayne was not on the shortlist for the Golden Boot when it was announced yesterday.
That honour will be fought out between Inglis, Slater, Cameron Smith, England backrowers Kevin Sinfield and Gareth Ellis and Hayne's Eels teammate, Fuifui Moimoi.
The Rugby League International Federation foundation founded their own awards two years ago in direct competition to the Golden Boot, and Hayne joins his nemesis, Slater, as the only winners thus far.
While Inglis missed out on the main award, he was named centre of the year, while Smith was named hooker of the year.
Intriguingly, their Storm coach Craig Bellamy beat his assistant, Stephen Kearney, to the coach of the year honour. Bellamy was recognised for claiming the NRL premiership after guiding his side to its fourth consecutive grand final.
But Kearney almost pipped him having performed a minor miracle as New Zealand coach in last year's World Cup, when the Kiwis shocked Australia in the final at Suncorp Stadium.
The Rugby League International Federation also made a special award to former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson, for the significant contribution he has made to the game. A humbled Arthurson was on hand to accept the award.
THE WINNERS
International Player of the Year: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta and Australia). Shortlisted: Greg Inglis (Melbourne and Australia), Billy Slater (Melbourne and Australia).
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Hall (Leeds and England). Shortlisted: Michael Jennings (Penrith and Australia), Richie Myler (Salford and England).
Referee of the Year: Shayne Hayne (Australia). Shortlisted: Steve Ganson (England), Ashley Klein (Australia).
Coach of the Year: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne and NSW). Shortlisted: Stephen Kearney (New Zealand), Kevin Moore (Sydney Bulldogs).
Team of the Year:
Full-back: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta and Australia).
Winger: Ryan Hall (Leeds and England).
Centre: Greg Inglis (Melbourne and Australia).
Five-eighth: Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers and New Zealand).
Halback: Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys and Australia).
Prop: Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta and New Zealand).
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne and Australia).
Second row: Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers and England).
Lock: Kevin Sinfield (Leeds and England).
