Date: 8/11/18
The 2018 Golden Boot, awarded in recognition of the very best performances in international rugby league in 2018, has been won by St Helens and England star winger, Tommy Makinson and the inaugural Golden Boot for the women’s game has gone to Sydney Roosters and Australia centre, Isabelle Kelly.
Makinson has burst onto the international scene in 2018 having made a try-scoring debut against New Zealand in Denver in June.
Kelly backed up her 2017 world cup final performance with a remarkable two try haul in the Jillaroos narrow victory over the New Zealand Ferns in October.
The Golden Boot selection panel, which was drawn from the rugby league media in both hemispheres, were impressed by the spectacular way in which both players have adapted to the rigours of the international game.
They cited not only the try-scoring ability of Makinson, who scored a hat trick against the Kiwis last weekend, but the immense defensive contribution that he had made, including a series of try-saving tackles.
Kelly was recognised similarly for her fantastic efforts in scoring two tries against the Ferns this season. Both tries came in the final 10 minutes to edge Australia in front of New Zealand, one being a spectacular break from inside her own half. These were added to the two tries that she scored in the final of RLWC2017 which was considered for this award.
