The names of two Tongan players feature in a long list of five players for the Golden Boot, which includes three Australians, while there are also three Australians and one New Zealander shortlisted for the inaugural Women’s Golden Boot award.
A panel of experts drawn from the Rugby League media across the world has met to decide on their initial long-list for the 2018 RLIF Golden Boot in both the men’s and women’s games.
The RLIF Golden Boot recognises the most outstanding performances in full international matches throughout the year. This year the award will cover all full international games played between the final of RLWC2017 and games played up until November 4th 2018.
The panel has selected the following players so far, excluding players from England and New Zealand, and they will add to the list after this weekend’s games. They will then reconvene on November 4th to decide on the final short list of four players for each award before the announcement, which will be made at a celebration dinner on November 7th.
RLIF Men’s Golden Boot 2018 RLIF Women’s Golden Boot 2018
James Tedesco (Australia) Honey Hireme (New Zealand)
Boyd Cordner (Australia) Ali Brigginshaw (Australia)
Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) Brittany Breayley (Australia)
Valentine Holmes (Australia) Isabelle Kelly (Australia)
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga)
The selection panel is Brad Walter, Joanna Lester, Martyn Sadler, Steve Mascord and Dave Woods
In addition to awarding the 2018 Golden Boots, the RLIF will also be honouring the players throughout the history of the sport who have made over 50 international appearances.
The Rugby League Cares Hall of Fame/Golden Boot Dinner will be held at Elland Road, Leeds on Wednesday November 7th.
