Source : ABC NEWS
New Zealand duo Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka have been named the men’s and women’s Golden Boot winners after outstanding individual seasons at their respective clubs.
Ponga scored six tries as he led Newcastle to the NRL grand final before scoring two further tries for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup despite suffering a broken arm.
Waaka, a cross-code star, scored nine tries for the Warriors in just 10 NRLW appearances and added nine tries in four World Cup appearances.
Both players will be in action for New Zealand’s men’s and women’s sides in their respective World Cup finals this weekend as they take on Australia.
Ponga is New Zealand’s eighth men’s Golden Boot winner, joining Hugh McGahan, Stacey Jones, Benji Marshall, Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris.
Waaka is the third New Zealand player to win the women’s award, joining Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale.
Ponga edged out his Cup final counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoa powerhouse Francis Manulelua, Tonga centre Robert Toia and Kiwi centre Casey McLean who were all shortlisted for the men’s award.
The Wheelchair golden boot was taken out by England’s Rob Hawkins ahead of Friday night’s final in Wollongong between England and France.
