Dylan Brown has shockingly failed to claim the Golden Boot award and the title of best international rugby league player for 2025.
The panel of Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Ruben Wiki, James Graham and Petero Civoniceva have opted against recognising Brown, despite his outstanding performances for New Zealand, which included three tries and seven try assists in just three matches.
Instead, hooker Harry Grant has won his maiden Golden Boot award after a strong campaign in Australia's clean sweep of England in the Ashes series, highlighted by a man-of-the-match display in the third test.
The decision will come as a surprise to many, as Brown's performances had the rugby league community believing he was a shoo-in to win, especially after being named as the Pacific Championships' Player of the Series.
However, International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant felt that Grant was more than deserving of the award.
"Harry showcased his skill and leadership in the first Ashes Series for 22 years and played a key role in Australia's win over their great rivals," Grant said.
"He constantly had the England defence back-pedalling with his clever dummy-half running, topped the tackle count for the Kangaroos, captained Australia at Liverpool and scored a brilliant try to blow the match open at Leeds.
"For Harry to perform at that level — and with the same consistency — on the international stage, confirms his standing as one of the game's best players."
Other players nominated for the award included Joseph Tapine, Cameron Munster and Payne Haas.
