England trio vying for world’s top player award

Hall, who scored 32 tries in 35 appearances for the Headingley club this season, delivered a brilliant brace against Australia at Wembley and followed up with another classic finish to help England defeat New Zealand on Saturday night.

For the first time in its history, the shortlist of six is split equally between Australians and Englishmen.

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins and St Helens prop James Graham join Hall in contention for the prestigious prize, which is awarded annually by the Rugby League World magazine to the world’s best player.

Australia captain Darren Lockyer, set to play the last match of his career against England in Saturday’s Four Nations final at Elland Road, is joined by hooker Cameron Smith and half-back Johnathan Thurston.

Last year’s winner Benji Marshall did not make the shortlist after his New Zealand team failed to reach the final, while international player of the year Billy Slater missed the chance to add to his 2008 Golden Boot triumph after fracturing a collarbone in Australia’s second match against England.

The winner will be decided by a panel featuring former winners including Ellery Hanley, Garry Schofield and Wally Lewis, plus international media members, and will be revealed on December 2.

New Zealand’s Issac Luke has been handed a two-match ban for a brutal leg twist on Castleford Tigers’ Rangi Chase.

The Kiwis’ replacement hooker performed the illegal manoeuvre on England’s scrum-half during their 28-6 defeat.

Luke, cautioned for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game following a ‘cannonball’ tackle against Australia, will contest the charge at an international disciplinary panel in Leeds tonight. Jeremy Smith will do likewise after he was suspended for one game following an illegal use of his forearm on England full-back Tomkins.