WARRINGTON Wolves and England skipper Adrian Morley has been named international prop of the year.

The honour was announced at the Rugby League International Federation awards night at Eden Park, New Zealand, this morning.

Morley, who had to return home from England’s Four Nations tour after rupturing his bicep in the draw with New Zealand Maoris, fended off shortlisted competition from Petro Civoniceva (Penrith), Stuart Fielden (Wigan), James Graham (St Helens), F-P Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Jamie Peacock (Leeds), D Shillington (Canberra) and M Weyman (St George) to gain the vote from an international panel of judges.

Former Sydney Roosters enforcer Moz became the first captain to lead Warrington Wolves to back-to-back Carnegie Challenge Cup triumphs at Wembley in August.

He also guided Wolves to their highest Super League finish of third place.

It is a mark of Wolves’ success this year that they had players shortlisted in most positions, but Chris Riley missed out on the wing award to Wigan’s Pat Richards, Matt King and Chris Bridge were beaten to the centre shirt by Shaun Kenny-Dowall, of Sydney Roosters and New Zealand; Lee Briers lost out to international player of the year winner Todd Carney for the stand-off berth, Michael Monaghan missed out on hooker at the expense of Robbie Farah, of Wests Tigers and Australia; Ben Westwood was beaten to the second-row position by England and former Wakefield teammate Gareth Ellis; and Ben Harrison was pipped to the loose forward jersey by Luke Lewis, of Penrith and Australia.

Briers, however, was named Wales Player of the Year after leading his country into European Cup glory and next year’s Four Nations.

Wolves boss Tony Smith was beaten to the coach’s award by Wayne Bennett, of St George Illawarra.