The International Rugby League will award the Golden Boot trophies to the players deemed to have put in the best performances in full international matches in 2019 in both the men's and women's as selected by a panel of media.
The winners will be announced upon the completion of the final scheduled games for the year.
Tonga has two players at the top of the current list withย Sio Siua Taukeiahoย andย Tui Lolohea performing well in the Oceania Cup and Great Britain matches.
New Zealand pair Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves have also been nominated, while Australian stars Damien Cook and Payne Haas are also upon the nominees.
John Bateman of Great Britain is the only representative for the nation on the list after a disappointing start to the Lions tour.
Fiji trio Viliame Kikau, Kevin Naiqama and Brandon Wakeman also received enough votes to be in contention for the award.
On the women's side of things, Australian Jillaroos pair Jess Sergis and Ali Brigginshaw have been nominated.
NOMINATED PLAYERS SO FAR:
Menย John Bateman (Great Britain) Damien Cook (Australia) Payne Haas (Australia) Viliame Kikau (Fiji) Tui Lolohea (Tonga) Kevin Naiqama (Fiji) Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga) Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand) Jared Waerea-HargreavesNew Zealand) Brandon Wakeham (Fiji)
Womenย Ali Brigginshaw (Australia) Jessica Sergis (Australia)
I clearly remember two decades ago how the NRL gave Souths the “GOLDEN BOOT AWARD” for being the poorest club with no Leagues Club, the lowest crowds and totally hopeless teams they would field. And still do………
Ironically its Latrell Mitchell handing the sombreros the golden boot.
Very fitting, excuse the pun.
Its a two horse race in my opinion between Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who have both been stand outs for their country.
My tip for 2020, Souths to win 11th place.