Shock Golden Boot winner introduced

New Zealand five-eighth Dylan Brown and Kangaroos five-eighth Cameron Munster have been gazumped by Harry Grant with the Melbourne hooker successful his first Golden Boot as rugby league’s finest worldwide participant this 12 months.

Grant performed effectively throughout Australia’s three-Check clear sweep of England on the finish of the season and was named participant of the match within the sequence finale.

However Munster was named the Fulton-Reilly Medal winner because the participant of the sequence, suggesting he was the higher participant in ther solely three worldwide matches that the Kangaroos contested in 2025.

Brown was the recent tip to win the award after he was named one of the best on area in every of New Zealand’s three wins throughout the Pacific Championships.

The previous Parramatta star, who’s becoming a member of Newcastle subsequent season on a profitable 10-year deal, was missed for the honour by the seven members of the judging panel.

Broncos centre Julia Robinson gained the ladies’s award after starring within the Jillaroos’ unbeaten Pacific match.

She scored seven tries in 4 appearances to be a unanimous alternative for the highest particular person award.

The judging panel of Darren Lockyer, James Graham, Petero Civoniceva Cameron Smith and Ruben Wiki nominated Kiwis captain Joseph Tapine because the third placegetter within the males’s standings behind Grant and Brown.

“Harry showcased his ability and management within the first Ashes Sequence for 22 years and performed a key position in Australia’s win over their nice rivals,” IRL chair Troy Grant stated.

“He continuously had the England defence back-pedalling along with his intelligent dummy-half operating, topped the sort out rely for the Kangaroos, captained Australia at Liverpool and scored an excellent attempt to blow the match open at Leeds.

“For Harry to carry out at that stage – and with the identical consistency – on the worldwide stage, confirms his standing as one of many sport’s finest gamers.”

Grant, who not too long ago re-signed with the Storm till the tip of 2029, recorded a attempt, 248 run metres and 116 tackles, and performed each minute of all three matches within the Ashes.

“Harry’s performances for the Kangaroos have been excellent, and this award is extremely effectively deserved. It’s a proud second for him and for our membership,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski stated.

“As Storm captain, Harry units the usual daily. His management and consistency are second to none, and this recognition displays the participant and individual he’s.”