Kangaroos and Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has been crowned the world's best player at a glittering awards presentation at the Tower of London that was dominated by Australian players.
Slater, who won the Dally M medal as the NRL's best player of 2011, was named the Rugby League International Federation player of the year after edging out Australian and Storm team-mate Cameron Smith and New Zealand skipper Benji Marshall, the only non-Australian award winner on the night.
The Melbourne Storm player scooped the International Player of the Year award following a memorable 12-month period which which saw him steer Queensland to State of Origin success, establish himself as one of Australia's all-time greats and collect the NRL's Dally M medal after playing a pivotal role in guiding his side to a minor premiership title.
Billy Slater was crowned the best player in the world for the second time in four years at the Tower of London on Wednesday night as England were left in no doubt about their lowly standing ahead of Saturday's
Four Nations Test against Australia at Wembley.
Slater, the 28-year-old Melbourne Storm and Queensland full-back who was once a track jockey for the colourful Australian racing trainer Gai Waterhouse, edged out his Kangaroos team-mate Cameron Smith and the New Zealand captain Benji Marshall at the International Federation's annual awards night to regain the title he first won during the 2008 World Cup.
Slater enjoyed another stellar season in the No. 1 jersey as he represented Storm, Queensland and the Kangaroos with his reliability, freakish skills and match-winning feats. Slater sits as one of the all time greats, adding the Golden Boot to a raft of other prestigious awards, including the Dally M medal he won in September.
The dual Golden Boot winner (Slater claimed the prize in 2008) held off a strong field to win the award which included teammate Cameron Smith and New Zealand captain Benji Marshall.
It was a proud night for Storm with Cameron Smith named Hooker in the Team of the Year and Slater named at fullback.
Congratulations Billy!!! You are a Superstar!!!!
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