Kangaroos dynamo Harry Grant, Jillaroos sensation Julia Robinson, and England’s wheelchair trailblazer Rob Hawkins have been unveiled as the 2025 International Rugby League Golden Boot winners, capping off a standout year on the international stage.
Grant edges Brown and Tapine after Ashes heroics
Already regarded as the premier hooker in rugby league, Grant added yet another accolade to his resume after outpointing New Zealand duo Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine for the men’s Golden Boot.
The Storm rake was instrumental in Australia’s 3-0 Ashes triumph in the UK, controlling the ruck and dictating tempo throughout the series. Grant led the Kangaroos for much of the first Test, and seamlessly stepped into a bigger leadership role when Isaah Yeo missed the second Test under HIA protocols.
He topped Australia’s tackle count, continually sent England’s defence scrambling with his trademark bursts from dummy-half, captained the side at Liverpool, and produced a match-defining try in the Leeds Test.
The win places Grant in elite company among rugby league icons, becoming the latest Kangaroo to claim the award following Isaah Yeo’s 2024 triumph.
Robinson unanimous pick after world-class campaign
Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson was the clear choice for the Women’s Golden Boot, securing every vote after a dominant 2025 campaign across Las Vegas, Brisbane, Auckland and Sydney.
Robinson’s viral, airborne try against Samoa — a perfectly timed launch to collect Jesse Southwell’s cross-field kick — became one of the most replayed moments in the women’s game this year. Her blend of power, precision and consistency made her the standout performer in a strong finalist group including Yasmin Clydsdale, Apii Nicholls and Tamika Upton.
Hawkins creates history with back-to-back Golden Boots
England wheelchair star Rob Hawkins wrote his name into the history books by becoming the first player in any discipline to win consecutive Golden Boot awards.
After receiving his delayed 2024 Golden Boot earlier this year, Hawkins doubled up with another incredible series, scoring five tries across England’s tight Wheelchair Ashes victory over Australia. His performances edged high-quality rivals including Bayley McKenna and Zac Schumacher.
Still only 23, Hawkins is already being touted as a future challenger to Johnathan Thurston’s record three Golden Boots.
A prestigious honour across all formats
The IRL Golden Boot recognises the best international rugby league players each calendar year, with judging panels made up of some of the sport’s most respected names — including Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Ruben Wiki, James Graham and Karyn Murphy.
Grant, Robinson and Hawkins will receive their awards this week, with the Kangaroos and Jillaroos stars presented in Brisbane, and Hawkins honoured in Halifax.
