Rugby League Enthusiasts Eagerly Await Golden Boot Winner Announcement
The long list for this year’s prestigious Golden Boot award has been revealed, featuring players from five different Super League clubs, including three England Internationals.
The coveted award, which honors the standout performers in international rugby league, will be decided by some of the game’s greatest players who have earned 50 or more international caps – including renowned England icon James Graham.
“International rugby league has never been more competitive, and this is reflected by the players in contention for the IRL 2024 Golden Boot.”
- Troy Grant, IRL chair
Once again, several Super League stars have been nominated for the accolade. Among them are England internationals George Williams and Harry Smith, who were instrumental in their country’s series victory over Samoa. Herbie Farnworth, another England representative, is also included, having been a standout performer for Shaun Wane’s side during the recent autumn internationals.
Interestingly, the list encompasses players from eight different nations, showcasing the global reach and competitiveness of international rugby league. Super League standouts who have shone in the Pacific Championships, such as Leigh Leopards half-back Lachlan Lam and Salford Red Devils centre Nene Macdonald, have also been recognized.
Adding to the Salford representation, Cook Islands star Esan Marsters, who is set to join the Red Devils in 2025, has also been nominated. Tongan trio Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo, and Haumole Olakau’atu are vying to become the first player from a Pacific nation to claim the prestigious Golden Boot.
The full list of nominees includes:
- Herbie Farnworth (England)
- Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga)
- Harry Grant (Australia)
- Lachlan Lam (Papua New Guinea)
- Zac Lomax (Australia)
- Jarome Luai (Samoa)
- Keano Kini (New Zealand)
- Nene Macdonald (Papua New Guinea)
- Esan Marsters (Cook Islands)
- Taane Milne (Fiji)
- Haumole Olakau’atu (Tonga)
- Harry Smith (England)
- Jason Taumalolo (Tonga)
- Tom Trbojevic (Australia)
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Samoa)
- George Williams (England)
- Isaah Yeo (Australia)
The winner will be announced in early December, and the IRL chair expressed his excitement about the competitiveness of the nominees.
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