Shockwave: Reece Walsh Leads Kangaroo Contingent as Golden Boot Race Heats Up — but Kiwis and Samoa Could Steal the Show…
The Golden Boot Award — rugby league’s most prestigious individual international honour — has taken a fascinating twist this year, with five Australian Kangaroos dominating the shortlist while England’s best miss out entirely. Yet, despite the Aussie-heavy nominations, many believe the Kiwis and Samoa stars could gatecrash the golden party.
This year’s international calendar has been electric, from the Pacific Championships to the revived Ashes series, producing some of the best Test football seen in years. And while the usual suspects — the Kangaroos — have flexed their muscle once again, a new wave of Pacific and Kiwi brilliance has ensured the Golden Boot race remains wide open.
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🏆 REECE WALSH — THE GOLDEN BOY OF AUSTRALIA
There was never any doubt Reece Walsh would make the shortlist. The dazzling fullback, still just 23, has been at the heart of the Kangaroos’ attacking brilliance in the Pacific Championships.
His speed, swagger, and silkiness have made him the poster boy of modern rugby league, but it’s his growing maturity that’s impressed the selectors.
Walsh’s ability to control tempo, link with the halves, and produce those jaw-dropping moments under pressure has cemented him as Australia’s next generational superstar — and possibly their next Golden Boot winner.
“Reece is playing with confidence and composure we haven’t seen since Billy Slater’s prime,” said one Kangaroos insider. “He’s got the game-breaking quality that can win tournaments.”
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🦘 THE OTHER KANGAROO CONTENDERS
Joining Walsh on the Golden Boot shortlist are Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Cameron Munster, and James Tedesco — a who’s who of Kangaroo class.
Nathan Cleary has once again showcased his elite game management and pinpoint kicking, guiding Australia to multiple key victories with surgical precision.
Payne Haas, who’s reportedly weighing a $3 million code switch, has been a colossus up front. His performances for Samoa and Australia alike have underlined why he’s arguably the most dominant forward in world rugby.
Cameron Munster, as unpredictable as ever, continues to create chaos in attack — his blend of creativity and toughness a nightmare for any defensive line.
And then there’s James Tedesco, the veteran skipper who refuses to fade quietly, producing a string of vintage performances to remind fans why he’s one of the modern greats.
That’s five Australians — all world-class, all legitimate contenders.
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🇳🇿 KIWI POWER SURGING AT THE RIGHT TIME
But don’t sleep on the New Zealand Kiwis. After stunning the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships Final last year, the Kiwis are once again firing on all cylinders.
Joseph Manu has been nothing short of magnificent — alternating between fullback and centre with seamless dominance. His powerful carries, defensive reliability, and game-breaking runs have reignited New Zealand’s hopes of reclaiming global supremacy.
Dylan Brown and James Fisher-Harris have also been immense. Brown’s poise in the halves has matured spectacularly, while Fisher-Harris continues to embody Kiwi steel, setting the tone up front in every Test.
Many neutral observers believe Manu is the dark horse for this year’s Golden Boot. His influence, leadership, and consistency have been unmatched across multiple Tests.
“Manu’s not just a player — he’s a force,” said former Kiwi captain Benji Marshall. “Every time he touches the ball, something happens. That’s Golden Boot material.”
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🇼🇸 SAMOA’S NEW WAVE OF SUPERSTARS
After a breakout 2022 World Cup campaign, Samoa have continued to evolve, blending youth and experience with dangerous intent.
The standout? Stephen Crichton — calm, composed, and clutch. The Penrith Panthers’ grand final hero has seamlessly carried that confidence into the Test arena, guiding Samoa through tight contests with both his boot and his brilliance.
Payne Haas, though currently representing Samoa and rumoured to be considering a cross-code switch, has also been monumental. His impact in the middle third has transformed the Samoan forward pack into one of the most feared in the world.
And let’s not forget Brian To’o, whose metre-eating carries and tireless effort continue to embody the spirit of the Toa Samoa.
Their rise has created a genuine belief that Samoa could produce a shock Golden Boot winner — something that would send a powerful message about the Pacific’s growing dominance in world rugby league.
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🏴 NO ENGLISH REPRESENTATION — A STUNNING SNUB
For all the excitement Down Under, one glaring headline stands out: no English players have been nominated.
Despite a strong domestic season and some impressive performances in the mid-year internationals, the English talent pool seems to have been overlooked. Players like Jack Welsby, Harry Newman, and George Williams were expected to be in contention, but the panel opted for form over reputation.
The snub has caused outrage in parts of the UK media, with pundits calling it “a slap in the face” for the northern hemisphere.
But others argue it’s simply a reflection of where the game’s power lies.
“It’s hard to argue when you look at the performances of the Kiwis, Kangaroos, and Samoa,” one analyst said. “The intensity and skill level in those games have been off the charts.”
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🌍 THE GLOBAL GAME IS SHIFTING
If there’s one overarching talking point from this year’s Golden Boot nominations, it’s that the balance of rugby league power is changing.
No longer is it a two-horse race between Australia and England. The Pacific nations — Samoa, Tonga, Fiji — and the revitalized New Zealand Kiwis have elevated the international stage to new heights.
The Golden Boot race now reflects that global competitiveness, with the likes of Crichton, Manu, and Haas threatening to dethrone Australia’s traditional dominance.
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🔥 FINAL VERDICT
The 2025 Golden Boot race might be remembered as the most competitive in years.
Reece Walsh remains the headline favourite — the golden boy leading a golden generation. But with Joseph Manu’s form, Stephen Crichton’s composure, and Payne Haas’s brute dominance, the award could head in a fresh, exciting direction.
One thing is certain: rugby league has never felt more global, more competitive, or more unpredictable.
The Golden Boot isn’t just a trophy this year — it’s a statement about the future of the game.
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