Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards stars up for 2024 IRL Golden Boot award

England stars Herbie Farnworth, George Williams and Harry Smith have been named as nominees for the International Rugby League Golden Boot award. The trio, who helped Shaun Wane’s England to a 2-0 series win over Samoa this August, have been included on a 17-man shortlist.

The Golden Boot award is given to the top performer on the international scene, with Tommy Makinson being the last English winner, while Kevin Sinfield and Andrew Farrell have also claimed the trophy.

As such, few can argue against Williams, Farnworth and Smith being nominated for the 2024 gong, with the trio turning in outstanding performances against Samoa at the Brick Community Stadium and Headingley.

It seems England’s representatives face stiff competition if they are to win the award, though, with a host of Super League and NRL stars also being nominated. Salford Red Devils’ Nene Macdonald and Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam have also made the shortlist for their performances in a Papua New Guinea shirt, while Salford recruit Esan Marsters is also named after competing for Cook Islands.

They are joined on the list by Samoa pair Jarome Luai and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, while Taane Milne of Fiji and New Zealand’s Keano Kini are also named.

Tonga have three nominees as they prepare for this weekend’s Pacific Championships final against Australia. Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo and Haumole Olakau’tau have all being given the nod and they are vying to become the first winner from a Pacific island nation.
Australia have four candidates with skipper Isaah Yeo up for the award alongside Harry Grant, Tom Trbojevic and Zac Lomax.

Kiwi forward James Fisher-Harris is the current holder of the award, while Joseph Manu won it in 2022.

The 2024 Golden Boot nominees: Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga), Esan Marsters (Cook Islands), George Williams (England), Harry Grant (Australia), Harry Smith (England), Herbie Farnworth (England), Isaac Yeo (Australia), Jarome Luai (Samoa), Jason Taumalolo (Tonga), Keano Kini (New Zealand), Lachlan Lam (Papua New Guinea), Nene Macdonald (Papua New Guinea), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Samoa), Taane Milne (Fiji), Tom Trbojevic (Australia), Zac Lomax (Australia), Haumole Olakau’atu (Tonga).