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Reece Walsh has faced disappointment as he missed out on the 2025 International Rugby League Golden Boot award.
The Brisbane Broncos’ full-back saw the prestigious honor go to Harry Grant instead, who managed to outshine both Walsh and the formidable New Zealand star, Dylan Brown.
Grant’s win marks his first Golden Boot achievement, coming after a stellar performance where he also surpassed Brown. Despite Brown’s impressive showing as player-of-the-match in each of New Zealand’s Pacific Cup victories, the award eluded him.
Many had anticipated that Brown would secure this major individual accolade, following his standout contributions to his team’s success.
Nevertheless, the Newcastle-bound star, who recently signed the most lucrative contract in NRL history, was narrowly edged out by Grant. The Melbourne hooker’s exceptional play during Australia’s 3-0 series sweep against England captured the judges’ attention, ultimately securing him the top honor.
Melbourne teammate Cameron Munster was also overlooked, despite being named man of the series by a seven-person judging panel at the end of the Ashes.
Reece Walsh (pictured) has been snubbed from this year’s International Rugby League Golden Boot award
Instead, Kangaroos star Harry Grant (pictured) secured his maiden Golden Boot title after a brilliant Ashes series with The Kangaroos
It came as Brisbane centre Julia Robinson won the women’s award after being the stand-out player of the Pacific Cup for the Jillaroos.
After scoring seven tries in four games for Australia this year, Robinson was unanimously voted player of the year in the women’s game.
The vote was not so clear-cut in the men’s space.
Brown was the outright star of this year’s Pacific Cup, scoring the match-winner against Samoa before scoring two tries and setting two more up against Tonga.
Then in the tournament’s final, he busted nine tackles and set up three tries in the 36-14 win over Samoa to be named both player of the match and series.
But ultimately the panel of Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Ruben Wiki, James Graham and Petero Civoniceva were won over by Grant’s output in England.
Grant was Australia’s best player in the third Test at Leeds and also impressed while deputising for Isaah Yeo as captain when the Kangaroos secured the Ashes in Liverpool.
Walsh, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent series for Australia, fresh off the back of guiding the Broncos to snap their 19-year wait for an NRL premiership. He was crowned player-of-the-match during his side’s first Ashes Test victory against England, scoring two tries and gaining 243m during the match.
Grant also beat New Zealand star Dylan Brown (left) to the coveted Golden Boot title
The Melbourne Storm hooker impressed judges during Australia’s 3-0 Ashes rout of England
Kiwi forward Joseph Tapine was also in the running and finished behind Grant and Brown in a close vote for 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,’ IRL chair Troy 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.’
Meanwhile, Robinson’s success comes after she was narrowly beaten to the Dally M by Broncos teammate Tamika Upton this year.
After leading the race with two rounds to go, Robinson was rested from the penultimate round and finished three points behind Upton.
Robinson then became the Jillaroos’ leading try-scorer of all time in the Pacific Cup by taking her career tally to 22, highlighted by an acrobatic try of the tournament against Samoa.
‘Her try against Samoa elevated women’s rugby league to another level,’ Troy Grant said.
‘Fans around the world marvelled at Julia’s ability to time her run perfectly and fly through the air like a superhero.’