LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The 2023 IRL Golden Boot nominees have been announced, with Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris, lock Joseph Tapine, and Kangaroos prop Payne Haas all in the running.
They are set to become the first running forwards to win the award in 20 seasons if successful.
Fisher-Harris and Tapine, who contributed to New Zealand's impressive 30-0 victory over Australia in the Pacific Cup final, are up against Haas and England halfback Harry Smith for the coveted title of international player of the year.
The last running forward to win the Golden Boot was former Great Britain captain Andy Farrell, while former Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith won the award in 2007 and 2017 as a dummy half, not a running forward like the current nominees.
The only other forward to have won the Golden Boot was former New Zealand captain Hugh McGahan in 1987, showcasing the rarity of this accomplishment for players in their position.