MELBOURNE Storm and Australian full-back Billy Slater's outstanding year continued last night when he was named the Rugby League International Federation's player of the year.

And the Storm dominated the team of the year with Cameron Smith (hooker), Israel Folau (centre), Greg Inglis — perhaps somewhat surprisingly named at five-eighth — and Slater among the 10 players named as the best in the world in their positions. Folau was also named rookie of the year.

Slater, who has starred for the Kangaroos during the World Cup, outpointed teammates Smith and Inglis, Dally M Medal winner Matt Orford and English Super League stars James Graham, Leon Pryce (both of St Helens), Jamie Peacock (Leeds) and Rob Burrow (Leeds) for the top award.

Slater has been in scintillating form with his early-season performances winning him the Australian No.1 jumper in the Centenary Test against New Zealand in May and a recall to the Queensland state-of-origin team. He was an integral part of the Maroons' series win over NSW.

The team of the year, which was chosen by former players and media representatives from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, included seven members of Ricky Stuart's Kangaroos, one New Zealander, and two English players.

It was determined on performances in the NRL and English Super League between October 2007 and October 2008.

Only one player was named in each position, except in the second row where Gold Coast's Anthony Laffranchi and Leeds backrower Gareth Ellis tied.

Manly did not have any players in the team. Des Hasler was the premier's only representative, being named coach of the year.

Titan's Scott Prince (half-back), St Helens' Graham (prop) and New Zealand Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei (wing) were the others in the team.

Slater yesterday urged his teammates not to waste the opportunity to win the World Cup, knowing that very few players got second chances to do so.

In the 54 years of World Cup rugby league, featuring nine finals, only 10 players have won multiple titles and Australian captain Darren Lockyer is aiming to be the 11th.

"This is my first year playing for Australia and it's a very, very passionate thing to play for your country and we are blessed that we've got the opportunity to play in a World Cup," Slater said.

"It is pretty important that we take this opportunity so in 10 or 20 years' time, when you're sitting at home, you can look back on this with fond memories and I'm sure it will be up there with the fondest."

Australia has coasted to the final but is wary that its trouble-free path to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night has the potential to blow up in its face with battle-hardened New Zealand preparing an ambush.

Slater has watched the Kiwis' progress and is certain they'll be far tougher to beat than when the two sides met four weeks ago in Sydney.

"They've improved a hell of a lot since we played them in round one of the tournament," said Slater.

"They've got their combinations right and they're like us in that the more they've played together the more they've gelled.

"They're going to be physical."

With AAP