Tough forward Jeremy Smith has been named player of the year at the New Zealand Rugby League awards in Auckland.

Thirty-two-year-old Smith’s consistent form for the Kiwis and his National Rugby League team Cronulla were acknowledged with receipt of the Steve Watene Memorial Medal on Wednesday.

Rookie of the year was Warriors utility Ben Henry, while Sydney Roosters outside back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was named junior player of the year.