Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka Win 2026 Golden Boot Awards
New Zealand stars honored for exceptional individual performances in rugby league seasons.
1Prestigious Rugby League Honors
New Zealand athletes Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka have officially secured the 2026 Golden Boot awards. These accolades recognize the most outstanding individual performances in international rugby league. Both players were selected following exceptional seasons at their respective clubs and significant contributions to their national teams during the ongoing World Cup.
2Ponga's Remarkable Season Impact
Kalyn Ponga led the Newcastle team to the NRL grand final, contributing six tries throughout the campaign. Despite suffering a broken arm, he managed to score two additional tries for the Kiwis during the Rugby League World Cup. His resilience and offensive output were key factors in his selection for this award.
3Waaka's Dominant Scoring Record
Stacey Waaka demonstrated incredible efficiency as a cross-code star throughout the year. She recorded nine tries in only ten NRLW appearances for the Warriors. Furthermore, she maintained this high scoring rate on the international stage, adding nine more tries in just four World Cup appearances for the New Zealand women's side.
4Elite Company in History
Kalyn Ponga becomes the eighth New Zealand man to claim the Golden Boot, joining legends like Benji Marshall and Shaun Johnson. Stacey Waaka is the third New Zealand woman to receive the honor, following Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale. These players represent a long tradition of excellence in the national rugby program.
5Competitive Selection Process
Ponga faced stiff competition for the men's award, edging out fellow nominees including Reece Walsh, Francis Manulelua, Robert Toia, and Casey McLean. The selection process evaluated performance across both club and international fixtures. Each shortlisted player had demonstrated significant impact during the 2026 season, making the final decision a difficult task.
6Upcoming World Cup Finals
Both award winners are currently preparing for their respective World Cup finals scheduled for this weekend. The New Zealand men's and women's teams are set to face Australia in high-stakes matches. These games represent the culmination of their tournament efforts and provide a platform to showcase their award-winning skills once again.
7Wheelchair Rugby Recognition
The recognition extended beyond the primary league categories, with the Wheelchair Golden Boot awarded to England's Rob Hawkins. This announcement preceded the final match in Wollongong between England and France. The inclusion of the wheelchair category highlights the sport's commitment to celebrating excellence across all disciplines of international rugby league competition.
8Significance of the Achievement
Winning the Golden Boot marks a career milestone for both Ponga and Waaka, solidifying their status as top-tier international athletes. Their success reflects the current strength of New Zealand rugby league. As they head into the World Cup finals, these awards serve as a testament to their individual skill and consistency.
Original article: ABC Australia – Science — Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka Win 2026 Golden Boot Awards