New Haven's Siose Muliumu charges ahead (Dawn Minichino photo)

As yet another helter skelter year of rugby football in the United States draws to a close, it’s also the time of year when we at ARN announce our annual awards.

Check this space between now and New Year’s Eve for the 2009 recipients.

Our two major awards for the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year will be made in the next couple of weeks.

We start the ball rolling by acknowledging one of the standouts from the American National Rugby League.

New Haven captain Siose Muliumu had one heck of a 2009. He led the New Haven Warriors in this year’s AMNRL competition, guiding them to the playoffs.

He was named in the USA Tomahawks side that beat Jamaica in the inaugural Atlantic Cup Challenge in Jacksonville and was recognized by the Rugby League International Federation by being named the USA Nations Player of the Year.

Every year the RLIF announces a Nations All-Star team comprising players from around the world of rugby league.