# Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka Win 2026 Golden Boot Awards New Zealand rugby league stars honored for exceptional individual performances during the season. - **Source:** [ABC Australia – Sport](https://www.abc.net.au/news/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9bff7b5d-6d43-48bd-9673-ab79b4eeffcb ## Prestigious Individual Honors New Zealand rugby league stars Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka have been officially named the 2026 Golden Boot winners. This prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding individual performances in the sport throughout the season. Both athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, securing their places among the elite players in international rugby league history. ## Ponga's Remarkable Season Kalyn Ponga led the Newcastle Knights to the NRL grand final, contributing six tries during the campaign. Despite suffering a broken arm, he remained a pivotal figure for the Kiwis, scoring two additional tries during the Rugby League World Cup. His resilience and offensive impact were critical factors in his selection for this award. ## Waaka's Dominant Performance Stacey Waaka showcased her versatility as a cross-code star, delivering an impressive scoring record for the Warriors. She recorded nine tries in just ten NRLW appearances and matched that tally with nine tries in four World Cup matches. Her clinical finishing ability proved to be a defining characteristic of her successful season. ## Historic Kiwi Representation 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 woman from New Zealand to receive the honor, following Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale. These achievements highlight the growing depth and talent within New Zealand rugby league programs. ## Competitive Selection Process The selection process for the men's award was highly competitive, with Ponga edging out several notable contenders. Shortlisted players included Australian counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoan powerhouse Francis Manulelua, Tongan centre Robert Toia, and Kiwi centre Casey McLean. Each nominee had demonstrated significant influence on their respective teams throughout the 2026 season. ## Upcoming World Cup Finals Both Ponga and Waaka are scheduled to compete in their respective World Cup finals 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 hard work and provide an opportunity to secure international silverware for their nation. ## Wheelchair Rugby Recognition The recognition extended beyond the standard formats, with the Wheelchair Golden Boot award also being presented. England's Rob Hawkins was named the recipient of this honor ahead of the final held in Wollongong. The match between England and France highlights the global reach and diverse categories within the professional rugby league community. ## Impact on Rugby League The Golden Boot awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in rugby league, celebrating individual brilliance within a team-oriented sport. By honoring players like Ponga and Waaka, the sport acknowledges the evolving nature of athletic performance. Their success sets a high standard for future players aiming to excel on the international stage. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-12/kalyn-ponga-stacey-waaka-win-rugby-league-golden-boot-awards/107379252 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._