Kalyn Ponga Wins Golden Boot as Kiwis Honour Him With Haka
New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga won the men's Golden Boot on Thursday evening after two Test matches in 2026. His teammates performed a haka, but the timing of the award, days before the Rugby League World Cup final, has prompted calls for change.
The Kiwis honoured Kalyn Ponga with a haka on Thursday evening after the New Zealand fullback won the men's Golden Boot, international rugby league's top individual award. Ponga took the trophy after playing just two matches on the international stage in 2026.
Australia's Reece Walsh was widely tipped to win. The result has revived calls for the award to return to its original form.
Ponga's teammates performed the haka shortly after his win was announced. The Kiwi Ferns had earlier led a haka for Stacey Waaka, the women's Golden Boot winner.
Timing draws criticism
The awards were handed out before the Rugby League World Cup final on Sunday, and that has drawn scrutiny. Many believed Walsh deserved the honor after a strong run as Australia's fullback. He played in three of the Kangaroos' four games.
Ponga's tournament was disrupted. He was injured in New Zealand's first group-stage match and returned three weeks after breaking his arm against Australia. He then played the semi-final against Tonga.
The shortlist also featured Tonga's Robert Toia, Samoa's Francis Manuleleua and New Zealand's Casey McLean. Walsh was the favorite.
Calls to change the system grew before the winner was named. Ex-Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said the new format is "crazy".
"If we're going to pick a player before (the RLWC final), it could leave you with egg on your face," he said.
He added: "If it's out of those two fullbacks in the final ... and one of them scores two or three tries and is man of the match, surely they are the rep player of the year."
Jarrod Croker said he wanted a return to the days when the Golden Boot went to "the best player in the world" across all levels of football. That includes club competitions and domestic representative matches as well as internationals.
The award is now run by the International Rugby League, and only Test match performances count. Croker's belief that it should again cover the calendar year's best player is shared by many of his peers.
Winners react
Ponga said it meant a lot to see players he had idolized and learned from respect what he had achieved. "I knew I was part of something special (here) ... I owe this one to my team," he said.
Waaka said the gesture from her teammates moved her. "For them to honour and respect us with that, I got a little bit teary," she said.
"It just showed the love and respect the girls and the boys have for us."
Both winners will be in action for New Zealand's men's and women's sides against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in the World Cup finals on Sunday.
