NRL Standout Herbie Farnworth Shortlisted for Prestigious Golden Boot Award
(BBC Sport, November 2023) – NRL sensation Herbie Farnworth has been named on the shortlist for the coveted 2024 Golden Boot award, placing him in contention to become just the sixth English player in history to claim the prestigious accolade.
The Golden Boot, which recognizes the outstanding performers in international rugby league each year, will be announced in early December. The decision will be made by a panel of esteemed former players who have reached the 50-cap milestone for their countries, including England legend James Graham, Australian great Darren Lockyer, and Petero Civoniceva, who represented both Australia and Fiji.
Farnworth, the Dolphins centre hailing from the small Lancashire village of Blacko, has earned his place on the six-player shortlist following his standout displays in England’s 2-0 Test series victory over Samoa this autumn. The 23-year-old faces stiff competition from the likes of Australia trio Harry Grant, Tom Trbojevic and Isaah Yeo, as well as Tonga captain Addin Fonua-Blake and New Zealand’s Keano Kini.
If Farnworth were to secure the Golden Boot, he would join an exclusive club of English players who have previously won the award, including Ellery Hanley, Garry Schofield, Andy Farrell, Kevin Sinfield and Tommy Makinson.
The Golden Boot award was established in 1985 by Open Rugby magazine, with Australian legend Wally Lewis claiming the inaugural title. The accolade was then presented annually until 1990, before experiencing a hiatus until 1999 when League Publications Ltd acquired the rights. In 2017, the International Rugby League took over the award and introduced women’s and wheelchair categories.
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