Former Fiji Bati Jarryd Hayne has won the most coveted award in rugby league after being named the International Rugby League Federation Player of the Year.

The award comes hot on the heels of an outstanding season for Hayne, who also won the Dally M award as the outstanding player in the NRL.

21 year old Hayne, beat Kangaroos team mate Greg Inglis and last years winner Billy Slater to become the second recipient of the award, which recognise individual excellence in the period between the start of last years World Cup and this seasons NRL and Super League Grand final.

The awards were chosen by a secret ballot of a 16 strong panel of journalist, broadcasters and former coaches and international players.