Sonny Bill Williams was moved to tears at receiving an impromptu haka performance from his New Zealand teammates after being crowned the world’s best rugby league player.
And the dual international hopes to repay them by helping the Kiwis defend their World Cup title in Saturday’s final against Australia at Old Trafford.
Williams capped his spectacular return to the code by taking out the Rugby League International Federation player of the year in Manchester on Wednesday night, beating out fellow nominees Kangaroos star Greg Inglis and Scotland playmaker Danny Brough.
Sydney Roosters star Williams felt shocked and emotional when his teammates rose and performed the haka while he was on stage to receive the award.
And he considered it a further sign he’s earning back the respect he lost after controversially walking out on the game at Canterbury in 2008.
“That was definitely by far the best part of the night for me,” Williams said of his teammates’ gesture.
“I can’t remember the last time I cried but I was a little bit teary up there just seeing the brothers get up and show that respect.
“… All I want is respect. I felt like after the way I left the game I lost a lot of respect.
“But this year the way I tried to carry myself, just tried to get across the real me, I felt like I earned a lot of respect.
“The biggest thing for me is earning the respect of my fellow players and coaches. I think that’s why I was a little bit emotional.”
“But I said to them straight way `one more week’ and hopefully I can put in another strong performance and hopefully we can do it for the Kiwis.”
Williams helped the Roosters to the NRL premiership after returning to the code following five years spent in rugby union and boxing, during which he played 19 Tests for the All Blacks.
He has been in devastating form at the World Cup and is crucial to New Zealand’s hopes of upsetting the Kangaroos again.
In taking out the gong, Williams broke an Australian stranglehold on the honour with Billy Slater (2008, 2011), Jarryd Hayne (2009), Todd Carney (2010) and Cameron Smith (2012) previous winners since it was established six years ago.
Williams was one three Kiwis named in the team of the year at a ceremony at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, along with winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke.
Inglis was named at fullback in the side, while Manly’s Clive Churchill medallist Daly Cherry-Evans was named halfback of the year.
Sea Eagles centre Jamie Lyon and Brisbane veteran Corey Parker were the other Australians in the side.
South Sydney and England front rower George Burgess beat out Sydney Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner to be named rookie of the year while older brother Sam was best prop.
Super League player of the year Brough was the five-eighth of the year.
Trent Robinson was awarded coach of the year after guiding the Roosters to the NRL title in his first season in charge.
Bigjohn
Guest
Oh well, if Johns rates him, then obviously that would completely alter my opinion on the matter. haha
MattyC
Guest
Ok then, how come Andrew Johns rated him so highly? Many consider him the best League player ever so would he not be a better judge of his ability than a keyboard warrior who clearly has an agenda against SBW?
Muzz
Guest
YEH BOY !!! The guy isn't just a superstar,he is a MACHINE !!
Damien
Roar Guru
Totally agree ZG, SBW did bugger all in Union. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWrcyaTUJgc I don't know what all the fuss is about really..
Muzz
Guest
So i guess it was someone that looked like SBW that won the man of the match award in the Bledisloe Cup .
eagleJack
Guest
Hmmm, you better check up on that ZG. Also, in 2012, he was considered by many the premier 12 in the game. Had an awesome combination with Cruden at the Chiefs and his series against the Irish was fantastic.
Zero Gain
Guest
He couldn't make the All Black starting 15.
Muzz
Guest
He leaves RL to play RU and makes the All Blacks so he either is special or the All Blacks aren't. Take your pick !!
Zero Gain
Guest
Nothing special in rugby union and the greatest player of all time in rugby league. Says it all really.
Bigjohn
Guest
Yes, he can be a germ at times, but he does put in the effort, while Williams ponces around thinking about his next shirtless photo opportunity.
allblackfan
Guest
greg, considering even you RL fans don't like your RL journos, we're not going to hold our breath wondering!! BTW: GO THE KIWIS!! :-)
soapit
Guest
has GI played aainst the kangaroos? bit of a flaw in your selection criteria there.
AWCMONREF
Guest
Haha Even as a Kiwi SBW wouldn't have been my top pick, JWH would have been right up there for me, penalties and all :)
AWCMONREF
Guest
Ummmm WHY???????
AWCMONREF
Guest
Nah DR "GIVE EM A TASTE OF KIWI" !!!!!!! :)
Bigjohn
Guest
I agree Silver Sovereign, I can only think that the Channel 9 commentary team were the voting panel.
Paddoboy
Guest
I hope those biased gronks B McCarthy and B Fulton are even more isolated now in their resentment fuelled decision on who was the best player in the Grand Final...McCarthy (Souths player/coach, Canterbury player) Fulton (Manly player/coach, former Roosters player/coach who left under a cloud of displeasure, despised by fans.
Jorji Costava - The Guru's Guru
Guest
Rugby union appears to have made him the player he is. How can this clown be player of the year, has he played against the best RL side yet, which is the Kangaroos?
Owen Ashby
Roar Rookie
Hard to compare SBW and GI when one's a forward and one's a back. But I'm happy with the decision. I thought GI's troublesome knee left him a little underdone at times this season.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
worlds best at not playing 80 mins at full effort. worlds best at making risky bonehead plays, worlds best at mouthing off, worlds best at bringing the game into disrepute