New Zealand double act scoops Golden Boot awards
Joel Gould and Murray Wenzel |
Kalyn Ponga has delivered on his allegiance to New Zealand in remarkable fashion to win the men’s Golden Boot after two breathtaking World Cup displays at fullback.
In a national double act Kiwi Ferns strike centre Stacey Waaka won the International Rugby League (IRL) women’s Golden Boot with both players on hand to receive their awards on Thursday night at a function held at Suncorp Stadium.
The gong this year has been awarded to the best international male and female player of 2026, obviously not taking into account performances from Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane where New Zealand and Australia clash in both.
Ponga, 28, has edged out his Cup final counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoa powerhouse Francis Manulelua, Tonga centre Robert Toia and Kiwi centre Casey McLean who were all shortlisted.
Due to the dearth of Test football, Ponga and Waaka have been recognised for their feats in this tournament in their debut appearance for their national teams.
After changes in international eligibility rules, Ponga was allowed to represent tier one nation New Zealand and play State of Origin for Queensland.
He had never played for Australia, but wanted to link with the Kiwis to honour his Maori heritage after representing Maori All Stars.
Ponga’s two games for the Kiwis have been nothing short of sensational.
In the World Cup opener, he was on track to be man of the match before breaking his forearm and playing on for a further 20 minutes in the 24-20 loss to Australia. He eventually left the field in the 70th minute.
He returned 23 days later after a miracle recovery to be awarded player of the match in the 34-10 win over Tonga.
Coach and Kiwi great Stacey Jones struggled to find the word to describe his fullback.
“He’s one of those players … you know that he’s really good, but when he’s in your team, he’s … you know?,” Jones grinned on Thursday.
“He’s had a huge impact for us and how he played last week, just unbelievable to come back from a broken arm and slot in like that.”
Waaka is a legend of New Zealand rugby union, whose move to the NRLW has been breathtaking.
The Warriors gun has already has won gold medals in sevens at two Olympic Games, one Commonwealth Games and one World Cup, along with two World Cup titles in the 15-a-side game.
Her nine tries in four matches at this World Cup while playing centre has been a key in the Ferns’ progression to the final.
Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton was high in her praise of Waaka’s tournament.
“She is incredible and she has done the same thing for the Warriors and Broncos,” Upton said
“(Waaka) is an incredible athlete, and has got quick feet and is very agile so whenever she gets in any sort of space she is going to make good use of it. She has done this for a very long time in the sevens circuit and is the ultimate professional.”
The Wheelchair golden boot has been taken out by England’s Rob Hawkins ahead of Friday night’s final in Wollongong between England and France.
AAP