The RLIF Awards are the Rugby League International Federation's annual major international sporting award for rugby league. Since 2004 the awards ceremony recognises the best referee, coach, developing nations player, international newcomer, captain and a team of the year.
In 2007, the RLIF did not organise any awards. To fill the gap, Rugby League World magazine asked its Golden Boot panel to come up with winners in the existing categories used by the RLIF.
Coinciding with the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, the RLIF Awards were rebranded and the old award system was replaced.[1]
Described as rugby league's most prestigious individual honour,[2] the International Player of the Year award is given to the world’s best player[3] as voted upon by an international judging panel comprising journalists, broadcasters and former international players drawn from both the northern and southern hemispheres.[4]