LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Newcastle Knights' standout recruit, Dylan Brown, is among the five players nominated for the 2025 Golden Boot award, as confirmed by International Rugby League (IRL). This announcement narrows the original list of 18 contenders.
The Kiwi representatives have been dominant in this award, winning three out of the last four years. With a stellar performance in the recent Pacific Championships, where the Kiwis triumphed over Samoa in the final and Tonga in the group stages, Brown has emerged as a front-runner for the prestigious accolade.
Alongside Brown, fellow internationals Joseph Tapine, Harry Grant, Payne Haas, and Cameron Munster are also in the running. Notably, Munster was recognized as the Player of the Series during the 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England.
In the women's category, Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson is leading the race for the Golden Boot after a close finish in the 2025 Dally M Medal race. Tamika Upton is another contender, albeit with one less match than her peers on the shortlist.
Additionally, Yasmin Clydesdale, New Zealand's Apii Nichols, and Cook Islands' promising talent Chantay Kiria-Ratu round out the women's shortlist.
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