FORMER Bradford Bulls star John Bateman has been pipped to the international player of the year award by New Zealand full-back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

The 26-year-old, who missed the 2018 season through injury, is only the fifth New Zealander to win the Golden Boot since its inception in 1984, joining Hugh McGahan (1987), Stacey Jones (2002), Benji Marshall (2010) and Shaun Johnson (2014).

Bradford-born Bateman, who plays for Canberra Raiders in the NRL, was the only Great Britain player in contention for the prize won in 2018 by St Helens winger Tom Makinson.

Tuivasa-Sheck also edged out Tonga prop Siosiua Taukeiaho and Kiwis team-mate Jared Waeraa-Hargreaves, who both play for the Sydney Roosters.

Australia's Jesse Sergis won the women's Golden Boot, beating team-mate Ai Brigginshaw and England captain Emily Rudge for the honour.