Kalyn Ponga will meet Reece Walsh and Australia again in the World Cup final at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, with the trans-Tasman rivals competing to become world champions.
The New Zealand fullback earned the 2026 Golden Boot after making just two international appearances. His award followed a standout semi-final performance against Tonga, where he was named Player of the Match.
Ponga had missed two matches after breaking his arm in the Kiwis' opening clash, when he was forced off ten minutes into the game. Before leaving, he scored twice, made three line breaks and ran for 253 metres against Walsh.
He returned against Tonga in front of Newcastle supporters, recording just under 200 metres, three line-break assists and three try assists.
The former Dally M winner had reached the NRL Grand Final with Newcastle after a career-best season. Other Golden Boot nominees were Walsh, Tonga's Robert Toia, Samoa's Francis Manuleleua and Ponga's teammate Casey McLean.