Former Saints James Graham and Jamie Lyon in international team of the year (From St Helens Star)

Former Saints James Graham and Jamie Lyon in international team of the year

9:13am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Latest News

TWO former Saints players have been named in the international team of the year.

Two year Saints sensation Jamie Lyon and former skipper James Graham have been named centre and prop of the year respectively.

Graham has enjoyed a tremendous first season with Canterbury – despite it being marred somewhat by picking up a 12-match ban for biting Billy Slater in the Grand Final.

Melbourne Storm and Australia captain Cameron Smith has today been named the 2012 RLIF International Player of the Year – the highest individual honour in world Rugby League.

Smith, who was also named International Hooker of the Year, is one of eight Australians to be named in the International Team of the Year, along with Storm team-mate Cooper Cronk (Scrum-half of the Year) and his club coach Craig Bellamy (Coach of the Year).

England duo Ryan Hall of Leeds Rhinos (Winger of the Year) and Graham are the only non-Australian players to be selected in the International Team of the Year.

Kiwi sensation Shaun Johnson has been named the International Rookie of the Year.

The award caps another amazing season for Smith, who this year was named as the Kangaroos’ new captain, led Queensland to a record-breaking seventh consecutive State of Origin Series triumph, was named Dally M Hooker of the Year, led the Kangaroos to two Test victories over New Zealand and led the Melbourne Storm to the NRL Premiership.

It is the first time Smith has won the award, which was first presented in 2008 to his Melbourne team-mate Billy Slater. Other previous winners are Jarryd Hayne (2009), Todd Carney (2010) and Slater again (2011).

Australia’s Ben Cummins, who this season received the Col Peace Medal as the best-performed referee in the NRL, was named International Referee of the Year.

The awards are voted on by an international judging panel with representatives from both the northern and southern hemispheres.

In announcing the awards, Rugby League International Federation Chairman Scott Carter praised the standard of international Rugby League and also acknowledged the strength of the current Kangaroos side.

“As we look forward to the Rugby League World Cup in the northern hemisphere in 2013, you can’t help but be excited at the talent that will be on display,” Mr Carter said.

“The strength of the Australian side at the moment has certainly been reflected in the International Team of the Year and while the Kangaroos will start the World Cup as warm favourites the competition that exists in international Rugby League will ensure the tournament will be as fascinating as it was in 2008 when New Zealand were crowned the World champions.”

The RLIF International Player of the Year award winners are: International Player of the Year – Cameron Smith (Aus).

International Coach of the Year – Craig Bellamy (Aus).

International Rookie of the Year – Shaun Johnson (NZ).

INTERNATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR: Full-back: Ben Barba (Aus).

Winger: Ryan Hall (Eng).

Centre: Jamie Lyon (Aus).

Stand-off: Johnathan Thurston (Aus).

Scrum-half: Cooper Cronk (Aus).

Loose forward: Paul Gallen (Aus).

Second row: Nate Myles (Aus).

Prop: James Graham (Eng).

Hooker: Cameron Smith (Aus).