Upton, Nicholls among leading contenders for Golden Boot honours

Prominent players vying for the Women's 2025 IRL Golden Boot award include Jillaroos star Tamika Upton, Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls, rookie standout Shalom Sauaso from Fetu Samoa, and Cook Islands' playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu.

Upton, who recently clinched her second Dally M Medal as the NRLW's top player, showcased her excellence during Australia's remarkable 90-4 victory over England at Allegiant Stadium earlier this year. She also played a significant role in the Jillaroos' commanding 60-0 win against Samoa two weeks ago.

Despite missing last weekend's tight 10-4 match against New Zealand due to a calf injury, Upton is poised to return for the Pacific Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.

Other nominees for the prestigious award include Australian backrowers Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps, and Olivia Kernick. The award was previously won by injured Jillaroos playmaker Tarryn Aiken, whose position was filled by Jesse Southwell among the candidates. Centre Isabelle Kelly, the first Women's Golden Boot winner in 2018, and winger Julia Robinson, known for her viral spectacular try against Samoa, are also prominent contenders.

Nicholls has been instrumental for New Zealand, contributing notably in their 22-20 defeat against Samoa and the recent close match against the Jillaroos, which featured a remarkable individual try by Kiwi Ferns second-rower Annessa Biddle.

Nominated alongside them are previous Golden Boot winners Raecene McGregor (2022) and George Hale (2023), both co-captains of the Kiwi Ferns. Ash Quinlan will also be in the running, starting as five-eighth in Sunday's Pacific Cup final, having previously changed the course of the game after coming off the bench in the last two matches.