LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Naitokatoka has been nominated for the 2025 Golden Boot award, with strong contenders in the mix including Jillaroos star Tamika Upton, Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls, rookie sensation Shalom Sauaso from Fetu Samoa, and Cook Islands playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu, as reported by raiders.com.au.
Tamika Upton, who has recently secured her second Dally M Medal as the NRLW's player of the year, played a crucial role in Australia's overwhelming 90-4 victory over England at Allegiant Stadium this year, and also shone in the Jillaroos' 60-0 win against Samoa two weeks ago. Although she missed last weekend's 10-4 loss to New Zealand due to a calf injury, she is expected to return for the Pacific Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
Australian back-rowers Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps, and Olivia Kernick are also among a long list of nominees for the award, previously claimed by injured Jillaroos playmaker Tarryn Aiken. Her replacement, Jesse Southwell, is included in the nominations, along with centre Isabelle Kelly, the inaugural Women's Golden Boot winner in 2018, and winger Julia Robinson, who gained attention for her remarkable aerial try against Samoa.
Apii Nicholls has stood out as one of New Zealand's top performers during their matches against Samoa and Australia. Notably, the latter game featured a spectacular individual try by Kiwi Ferns second-rower Annessa Biddle. Other nominees include previous Golden Boot winners Raecene McGregor (2022) and George Hale (2023), along with Ash Quinlan, who will be starting at five-eighth in the Pacific Cup final after positively impacting recent matches off the interchange.
Rookie Shalom Sauaso, who was named player of the match in her debut against New Zealand, and Cook Islands halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu, who led her team to a historic win in the Pacific Bowl against Tonga and Papua New Guinea, also make the extensive list of contenders.