LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Jillaroos star Tamika Upton, Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls, rookie sensation Shalom Sauaso from Fetu Samoa, and Cook Islands playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu are among the top contenders for the 2025 IRL Women's Golden Boot award, according to sharks.com.au.
Upton recently secured her second Dally M Medal as the NRLW's player of the year. She was recognized as Australia's players' player during the 90-4 victory over England at Allegiant Stadium earlier this year, and showcased her skills in the Jillaroos' 60-0 win against Samoa two weeks ago.
The five-time premiership winner missed last weekend's 10-4 loss to New Zealand due to a calf injury but is expected to return for the Pacific Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns this Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
Among the other nominees are Australian back-rowers Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps, and Olivia Kernick, as well as Jesse Southwell, who replaced injured Tarryn Aiken, last year's winner. Also nominated are centre Isabelle Kelly, the inaugural Women's Golden Boot winner in 2018, and winger Julia Robinson, whose incredible aerial try against Samoa gained widespread attention.
Nicholls stood out for New Zealand in their close 22-20 defeat to Samoa and the recent narrow loss to the Jillaroos, highlighted by a remarkable individual try from Kiwi Ferns second-rower Annessa Biddle.
Previous Golden Boot winners Raecene McGregor (2022) and George Hale (2023), the co-captains of the Kiwi Ferns, are also nominated, alongside Ash Quinlan, who will start as five-eighth in the Pacific Cup final after making crucial impacts in the previous two matches off the bench.
Rookie Shalom Sauaso, who was named player of the match during her debut against New Zealand, joins Chantay Kiria-Ratu, who led her team, the Moana, to a historic victory in the Pacific Bowl against Tonga and Papua New Guinea, on the long list of nominees.