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Kiwi duo Ponga and Waaka claim Golden Boot awards after stunning seasons

ABC News Australia •
November 12, 2026 • 07:31 AM
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New Zealand takes home both the men's and women's Golden Boot awards after two stunning individual seasons.

Kiwi duo Ponga and Waaka claim Golden Boot awards after stunning seasons

Fri, 11 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Rabbitohs 10, Knights 20

Sat, 12 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 16, Dolphins 26

Sat, 12 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Sharks 26, Cowboys 16

Sun, 13 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Panthers 19, Roosters 12

Sat, 19 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Roosters 46, Sharks 10

Sun, 20 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 10, Knights 12

Fri, 25 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Dolphins 20, Roosters 36

Sun, 27 Sept, 4:00 pm, Final score, Panthers 14, Knights 22

Sun, 4 Oct, 7:30 pm, Final score, Roosters 19, Knights 18

Kalyn Ponga (left) and Stacey Waaka have won the men's and women's Golden Boot awards after outstanding individual seasons. ( Getty Images )

New Zealand duo Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka have been named the men's and women's Golden Boot winners after outstanding individual seasons at their respective clubs.

Ponga scored six tries as he led Newcastle to the NRL grand final before scoring two further tries for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup despite suffering a broken arm.

Waaka, a cross-code star, scored nine tries for the Warriors in just 10 NRLW appearances and added nine tries in four World Cup appearances.

Both players will be in action for New Zealand's men's and women's sides in their respective World Cup finals this weekend as they take on Australia.

Ponga is New Zealand's eighth men's Golden Boot winner, joining Hugh McGahan, Stacey Jones, Benji Marshall, Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris.

Waaka is the third New Zealand player to win the women's award, joining Raecene McGregor and Georgia Hale.

Ponga edged out his Cup final counterpart Reece Walsh, Samoa powerhouse Francis Manulelua, Tonga centre Robert Toia and Kiwi centre Casey McLean who were all shortlisted for the men's award.

The Wheelchair golden boot was taken out by England's Rob Hawkins ahead of Friday night's final in Wollongong between England and France.

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1d ago
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