It was Te Arawa descendant and young Kiwi sensation, Dean Whare who was lucky enough to be bestowed with top honours and take home the NZRL Kiwi Rookie of the Year award, fending off a valiant nomination from rising star, and Kiwi team mate, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Aside from the recognition for his successes in the previous year, Whare says there is always room for improvement on the international stage.
After capping off a strenuous 2013 season, recovery is on the cards before setting his sights on Penrith's 2014 campaign.
Whare joins Kieran Foran who took the top prize home, named the Player of the Year, and recipient of the Steve Watene Memorial Medal.