New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga won the 2026 men’s Golden Boot award on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium, 1News reported.
Ponga edged out his World Cup final counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoa powerhouse Francis Manuleleua, Tonga centre Robert Toia, and Kiwi centre Casey McLean, according to 1News. The award recognizes the best international male player of 2026 without factoring in Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane where New Zealand and Australia clash.
Due to limited Test football, Ponga and Kiwi Ferns strike centre Stacey Waaka secured the honors for their feats in debut tournaments for their national teams. Ponga, 28, represented tier-one nation New Zealand and played State of Origin for Queensland after eligibility rule changes, having never played for Australia but wanting to link with the Kiwis to honor his Maori heritage.
“I definitely made the right choice and I knew that from the moment I made it.”
Ponga said after receiving the award from his father Andre, 1News reported.
Double act for New Zealand
Waaka won the International Rugby League women’s Golden Boot at the same function, completing a national double act as both teams performed hakas, 1News reported.
The NZ Herald reported that Waaka switched to league in 2024 after a decade in rugby union and made her test debut at the start of the tournament. The 31-year-old scored nine tries in four matches, including a hat-trick and four try assists in a 32-0 semi-final win over Samoa.
Waaka becomes the third Kiwi to win the female award since it began in 2018, following Raecene McGregor in 2022 and Georgia Hale in 2023, according to the NZ Herald. She also brings a resume featuring a switch to league after a trophy-laden decade in rugby union.
“I have never been in front of that haka and it hit me. It got me good.”
Waaka told 1News.
Recovery and criticism over timing
Ponga’s two games for the Kiwis included breaking his forearm during a World Cup opener loss to Australia where he played on for 20 minutes before leaving in the 70th minute, 1News reported. He returned 23 days later as player of the match in a 34-10 win over Tonga.
“The feeling I had in that first game is special and I feel it every day in camp. I wanted to get back and be part of it and I am thankful to the physios and medical staff.”
Ponga told 1News.
Kiwi coach Stacey Jones praised his fullback’s impact, 1News reported.
The timing of the presentation drew criticism from figures including former coach Shane Flanagan, who told Triple M that announcing the award before the World Cup final was “crazy” and could leave the IRL with egg on their face if a finalist wins man of the match with a multi-try performance, Nine.com.au reported.
Meanwhile, England’s Rob Hawkins won the wheelchair Golden Boot for the third year, becoming the second player in rugby league history after Johnathan Thurston to win three Golden Boots, according to BBC. Hawkins scored 19 tries at the World Cup and will face France in the final in Wollongong.
Disclaimer: The analytical insights and data provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
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