New Zealand’s Kalyn Ponga has won the Golden Boot trophy, beating out Australia’s Reece Walsh for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup’s top honours on Thursday night.
It was a New Zealand sweep as Kiwi Ferns’ Stacey Waaka was named the women’s Golden Boot winner after her incredible debut for the national team, where she scored nine tries over four matches.
Kalyn Ponga trains with New Zealand on Thursday. Getty Images
The timing of the awards night has copped scrutiny as the Golden Boot – a prestigious award that rewards the best player in international rugby league – was handed out before the RLWC grand final on Sunday.
Many believed Kangaroos player Walsh should have been rewarded for his stellar run as Australia’s fullback as Walsh played in three of Australia’s four games.
In his debut for New Zealand in a World Cup, Ponga was limited in game time due to being injured in the first group stage match, only playing for the Kiwis twice for a total of 150 minutes.
He returned just three weeks after breaking his arm against Australia in the first game of the event to play in the semi-final against Tonga.
The shortlist for the trophy featured favourite Walsh, Ponga, Tonga’s Robert Toia, Samoa’s Francis Manuleleua and fellow New Zealander Casey McLean.
The Golden Boot award shifted to focus solely on international performances in 2018, giving players a rather limited window to impress judges, with recent winners including Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Joseph Manu.
Both winners of the 2026 Golden Boot will be in action for New Zealand’s men’s and women’s sides when they take on Australia in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in the RLWC finals.