Harry Grant received the 2025 Golden Boot after Australia beat England, although many expected New Zealand's Dylan Brown to win following his Pacific Nations Championships performances.
The International Rugby League now judges the award only on Test matches and global tournaments, excluding NRL and State of Origin form.
The change leaves Mark Nawaqanitawase off the 2026 shortlist, despite his place in teams that won the Ashes, State of Origin and the NRL premiership in the past year.
The IRL replaced its previous format in 2018, reportedly to stop the honour becoming a second Dally M.
Petero Civoniceva, a 2025 judge, said Nawaqanitawase deserved consideration and compared his impact with Darren Lockyer's.
"He's a once-in-a-generation player. Darren Lockyer was one of those in the game and, like Locky, certainly when players talk of special players, Mark's name will also be bandied about for years to come."
Civoniceva told AAP that wingers such as David Campese and Jonah Lomu had also shaped their eras.
Nawaqanitawase will miss the World Cup currently being held in Australia and has begun a two-season deal with Japan's Saitama Wild Knights, coached by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
Civoniceva said he hoped the 26-year-old would return to rugby league in future.