Auckland, New Zealand, February 10, 2010 - Kiwi vice-captain Adam Blair has capped an exceptional year by today being named the New Zealand Rugby League's 2009 International Player of the Year.

The announcement comes as the 23-year-old 2008 World Cup winner is preparing for another career highlight when he appears for the NRL All Stars in Saturday night's season-launching clash against the Indigenous All Stars in Robina.

The Northland-raised Blair was in dominant form throughout 2009, appearing in each of the Kiwis' five Tests and standing out as one of the most impressive players on the field as he helped Melbourne to its 23-16 NRL grand final win against Parramatta. Many judges thought he should have won the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match.

Blair's performances were all the more remarkable because he was moved from his familiar propping role to play as an edge-running back rower in the latter part of the Storm's premiership-winning campaign. And during the Four Nations, coach Stephen Kearney used him at loose forward.

"Adam had a fantastic year for both club and country and really showed his versatility by being able to play equally well in the front row and the back row," said Kearney.

Blair has now played 16 Tests since making his Kiwi debut during the 2006 Tri Nations while he has amassed 76 NRL appearances for Melbourne heading into the 2010 season.

Named the 2009 International Rookie of the Year today was Newcastle centre Junior Sa'u, who made his debut in the October Test against Tonga in Rotorua before going on to play in each of the Kiwis' three Four Nations matches.

Sa'u was one of eight new faces included the Kiwis' Four Nations squad with six in all making their debut on tour, the others being Bryson Goodwin, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ben Matulino and Kieran Foran.

Among other awards announced, former Kiwi coach Brian McClennan won the 2009 Coach of the Year award after guiding the Leeds Rhinos to their third successive English Super League title and the second in his term with the club.

Canterbury fullback Johnny Aranga was named the Bartercard Domestic Player of the Year. He excelled for the Bulls in their title-winning campaign in last year's Bartercard Premiership and was rewarded with a spot in the Bartercard Premiership Selection which beat Toa Samoa Domestic.

Auckland's Leon Williamson was named Referee of the Year after controlling three matches during the Four Nations tournament including the grand final between Australia and England.

The NZRL's 2009 Young Player of the Year went to Taranaki back rower Jesse Parete, who was signed late last year by Melbourne when he was 16, while Tarsha Tapu was named Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year.