England duo in final shortlist for Golden Boot award

Drew Darbyshire

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

England stars Tommy Makinson and Elliott Whitehead are included in the final shortlist for the 2018 Golden Boot award.

The men’s Golden Boot award will be selected from the shortlist of four, which was narrowed down from a long list of 10, by the panel drawn from rugby league media in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

The award recognises the most outstanding performances in both men’s and women’s international matches and covers all fully sanctioned games played from the final of last year’s World Cup to the second Test between England and New Zealand that was played on Sunday.

St Helens flyer Makinson and Canberra Raiders back-rower Whitehead have been nominated, alongside New Zealand captain and Penrith Panthers full-back Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Australia and Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco is the fourth and final nominee.

Meanwhile, the first ever women’s Golden Boot award will go to one of five nominees.

Australia trio Ali Brigginshaw, Brittany Breayley and Isabelle Kelly face competition from England and Woman of Steel Georgia Roche, as well as New Zealand ace Honey Hireme.

The winners will be announced at the Hall of Fame and RLIF Golden Boot dinner which will be held at Elland Road, Leeds, on Wednesday, November 7.