LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The International Rugby League has announced the 18 players vying for the men's Golden Boot award in 2025, which honors the top international player each year. Notably, England has been completely overlooked in this selection, despite its participation in the ongoing Ashes series against Australia, where they currently trail 2-0.
The selection includes players from five different nations, with significant representation from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Among the Australian players, spine stars Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, and Reece Walsh have made the list along with forwards Reuben Cotter and Grant.
In the Pacific Championships, New Zealand showcases its dominance with several players including the in-form Dylan Brown, Moses Leota, Casey McLean, Isaiah Papali'i, Joseph Tapine, and Matthew Timoko, making them the most represented nation.
Fiji's sole representative is fullback Jahream Bula, while Payne Haas, who recently switched to represent Samoa, is listed alongside Jarome Luai, Jeremiah Nanai, and the outstanding Junior Paulo. Papua New Guinea also features in the mix, with potential future NRL player Edwin Ipape and Lachlan Lam completing the 18-player roster.