Fiji born Australian Kangaroos prop, Petero Civoniceva picked up the Penrith Panthers Player of the Year Award for his outstanding first season at the club.

Panthers Football Chief Executive, Mick Leary, declared Civoniceva as the best signing the club has ever made, with the consistent Panthers prop polling 29 votes, 13 clear of damaging second rower, Frank Pritchard.

Civoniceva, who played for the Brisbane Broncos last season, said the award was one of the highlights of his successful move to the foot of the Mountains.

He said winning the Player of the Yeat Award is a huge honour and caps off a good year for him after winning the State of Origin Series and the Dally M Prop of the year.

Civoniceva, the inspirational captain was also recognised for his off-field work when he picked up the Clubman Award for Excellence in Service and Professionalism.

His currently part of the Australian Kangaroos team taking part in the Rugby League World Cup.