Canterbury Bulldogs star Sonny Bill Williams has been named as the New Zealand player of the year ahead of the Carnegie World Club Challenge. The 19-year-old forward has enjoyed an outstanding season, winning a National Rugby League title with Canterbury Bulldogs and earning the international newcomer of the year award during the Tri-Nations. Williams was presented with his award at the annual New Zealand Rugby League awards dinner on Monday. Williams missed New Zealand's final match of the Tri-Nations series against Great Britain in Hull last month with a shoulder injury but should be fit to face Leeds in the World Club Challenge in February.