Annually rated one of the hardest men in the NRL, Penrith skipper Petero Civoniceva is not often moved to tears.

"I'll probably get kicked out of the front rower's union for that," Civoniceva said shortly after his teary acceptance speech after being named the 2011 Women in League favourite son.

"I guess seeing my wife (Bonnie) in the audience and just acknowledging the sacrifices that she's made ... it's nice to be honoured in this way.

"She's endured a lot - the highs and lows of rugby league and I guess reflecting on my mum's sacrifices as well as a single parent.

"I know she has a lot of satisfaction when she sees me running out on the field."

Civoniceva beat a field including Darren Lockyer, Alan Tongue, Andrew Ryan and Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith to take out the honour, which was voted on by more than 5000 females.

Women were asked to vote on the player they believe acts as a role model to younger players and whose off-field characteristics embody the values of the rugby league community.

He follows Hazem El Masri and Nathan Hindmarsh as previous recipients of the award, which was announced at the annual Women in League function in Sydney on Tuesday.

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