A 2018 change to the Golden Boot rules has ruled Mark Nawaqanitawase out of contention, despite his extraordinary year in rugby league.
International Rugby League now judges the award on Test matches and global tournaments, excluding domestic competitions and State of Origin.
Nawaqanitawase won the Ashes series in England, the State of Origin series with NSW and the NRL premiership with the Roosters in the past 12 months.
He has since returned to rugby union and will not play in the Rugby League World Cup, making him ineligible under the current criteria.
Petero Civoniceva, a Golden Boot judge in 2025, told AAP that Nawaqanitawase's achievements deserved consideration.
"When you look at all the performances of players that have caught the attention of the rugby league world, he's pretty much up there," said Civoniceva.
"He's a player that's excited fans week in, week out and it's fantastic what he's been able to do in a couple of years in his time in rugby league - and obviously this year was wonderful.
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."
The eligibility rules have prompted debate, with journalists Darren Walton and Tony Adams calling the situation a "farce" on social media.
Others argue that including NRL and Super League performances would make the award resemble a second Dally M.
Harry Grant received last year's Golden Boot, while some argued Reece Walsh had been the world's best player.
Supporters of the international-only approach say NRL and Origin form helps players reach representative sides, where Golden Boot performances should be assessed.
Nathan Cleary was also cited as the NRL's best player across the season and State of Origin, achievements recognised with other awards.