Coach Stephen Kearney has labelled prop Jesse Bromwich one the elite players in rugby league after he was named Kiwis player of the year at the New Zealand Rugby League awards.
The 26-year-old Melbourne Storm front-rower played all four Kiwis Tests in 2015, helping them to victory in the Anzac Test against Australia and their climb to the No.1 world ranking.
Kearney says Bromwich deserved to head off Melbourne teammate Tohu Harris and former Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to win the main award.
"Jesse has elevated himself to one of the premier forwards in our game.
"His contribution to the Kiwis team and its development through his input as part of the team's leadership group has been an integral part of the team's success."
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Brisbane Broncos utility Jordan Kahu was named Kiwis rookie of the year, while fellow-international newcomer Tuimoala Lolohea took out the junior player prize.
