LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Dylan Brown Denied Rugby League Golden Boot in Shock Upset
Harry Grant has won his first Golden Boot award after a surprising decision saw Dylan Brown not receive the title of rugby league's best international player for 2025.
Brown, who was named player-of-the-match in all three of New Zealand's matches during their successful Pacific Cup campaign, was a strong favorite for the prestigious award.
However, the Newcastle-bound playmaker was narrowly edged out by Grant, whose performances during Australia's dominant 3-0 Ashes series victory over England impressed the judges.
In a similar oversight, Melbourne teammate Cameron Munster was also passed over for the award, despite being named the man of the series by a seven-member judging panel following the Ashes.
In a successful turn for women's rugby, Brisbane centre Julia Robinson clinched the women's Golden Boot after being recognized as the standout player of the Pacific Cup for the Jillaroos.
Robinson, who scored seven tries in four matches for Australia this year, received unanimous acclaim as player of the year in the women's category.
In contrast, the voting for the men's award was far less clear-cut.
Brown truly shone in this year's Pacific Cup, netting the decisive victory against Samoa and contributing significantly against Tonga with two tries and two assists.