Golden Boot nominations trimmed

The Rugby League Golden Boot nominations have been cut to three, and it could be a historic winner.

For the first time in the history of the award, it could go to a prop forward and/or a member of a non-tier-one side.

Tongan prop forward Siosiua Taukeiaho is nominated alongside another prop forward in Kiwi Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

They will both be up against another New Zealander in fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Taukeiaho has stood out for Tonga this autumn, as they recorded historic wins against Great Britain and Australia.

It is an incredible story for the Tongans this summer. The players threatened to go on strike over the board’s decision to sack Kristian Woolf.

However, the government intervened and overthrew the board, putting a new one in place and reinstating Woolf.

The Kiwis have also had a brilliant autumn, as they recorded three wins from a possible four matches, including two against the GB Lions.

Tuivasa-Sheck has been important for the Kiwis since his return from injury. If he wins, he will be the first fullback since Billy Slater in 2008 to win the award.

St Helens winger Tommy Makinson won the award last year.

As for the Women’s award, Australian pair Ali Brigginshaw and Jess Sergis are the two players nominated.

However, this could change based on the performance of England captain Emily Rudge against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

The award is voted for by members of the media and is given to the best international player of the last 12 months.