Super League players in the frame for top award

(GETTY IMAGES)

Four Super League players were short-listed for the title of international player of the year. Despite their disappointing Four Nations campaign, England were well represented in the eight-strong short-list, with the winner to be announced at today's Rugby League International Federation awards in Auckland.

Super League's young player of the year Sam Tomkins was vying for the top prize with past and present England captains Adrian Morley and James Graham, Wigan's Pat Richards, the Australians Billy Slater, Todd Carney and Darius Boyd and Kiwi captain Benji Marshall.

Tomkins was also nominated in three other categories – rookie of the year and the best stand-off and full-back – while the brothers Tony and Brian Smith were shortlisted for coach of the year. Tony guided Warrington to the Challenge Cup; Brian transformed the 2009 NRL wooden spoonists Sydney Roosters.