The Great Britain captain, Andy Farrell, has become only the second Englishman to receive the sport's ultimate individual honour.
Farrell, preparing to lead his country in Saturday's Tri-Nations final, was presented last night with the Rugby League World Golden Boot, which is awarded each year tothe outstanding figure in the international game.
It was 1989 when a Briton was last honoured and that winner, Ellery Hanley, was invited to present Farrell with his award.
He edged out two of the Australians he will face at Elland Road this weekend, with Shane Webcke and Darren Lockyer also on the shortlist.
There was a further plaudit for Great Britain with Brian Noble named as International Coach of the Year - an acknowledgement of the success he and his squad have made of the Tri-Nations.
The Leeds hooker, Matt Diskin, is out of consideration for the final, after twisting knee ligaments in the victory over New Zealand on Saturday.
The British camp is waiting for the results of a scan, but Noble said: "The injury will certainly keep him out this weekend."
Great Britain's other injury doubt, Gareth Ellis, is expected to be able to train normally on a sore ankle.
Adrian Morley, the only British player in Australia's National Rugby League, says that clubs there are being selfish in casting doubts on the Tri-Nations being played next year.
"It would be to NRL clubs' benefit to promote international rugby league," he said.
"Instead of just thinking about their own backyards, they should be getting behind it."
The game's International Federation meets in Leeds today to discuss the future of the tournament.
