New Zealand have been given a double boost ahead of the women’s and men’s Rugby League World Cup finals with Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka taken out the prestigious Golden Boot awards.
Ponga edged out Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh for the gong ahead of their much-anticipated duel in Sunday’s final.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Kiwi duo claim Golden Boot awards
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The gong this year has been awarded to the best international male and female player of 2026, obviously not taking into account performances from Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane where New Zealand and Australia clash in both.
It caps a stunning season for Ponga, who led the Knights on a fairytale run to the NRL grand final.
Walsh, Tonga’s Rob Toia, Samoa’s Francis Manuleleua and fellow Kiwi Casey McLean were the other nominees for the top gong.
Due to the dearth of Test football, Ponga and Waaka have been recognised for their feats in this tournament in their debut appearance for their national teams.
After changes in international eligibility rules, Ponga was allowed to represent tier one nation New Zealand and play State of Origin for Queensland.
He had never played for Australia, but wanted to link with the Kiwis to honour his Maori heritage after representing Maori All Stars.
Ponga’s two games for the Kiwis have been nothing short of sensational.
In the World Cup opener, he was on track to be man of the match before breaking his forearm and playing on for a further 20 minutes in the 24-20 loss to Australia. He eventually left the field in the 70th minute.
He returned 23 days later after a miracle recovery to be awarded player of the match in the 34-10 win over Tonga.
“I’m very proud of myself to come back from that injury,” he told 7NEWS.
“The feeling that I had in that first game, I knew I was a part of something special and I didn’t want to miss out on that.
“Good opportunities don’t come around too often and that’s why I wanted to be back so fast.
“And on the award … it is an individual accolade, but I owe this one to the team. The players that I get to play with, and I’m lucky enough to learn off and rub shoulders with, I owe this one to them.”
Meanwhile, Waaka was moved to tears during an emotional on-stage haka.
“I think the haka being performed is a sign of a lot of things, but it’s a special celebration for both of us and for them to honour and respect us with that, I actually got a little bit teary,” she told 7NEWS.
“I’m usually the one performing it with them, so to be on the other side, it was just really special.
“And I guess it shows the love and respect that the girls have and the boys have for both of us.”
Ponga added: “I think she worded that perfectly, just to see that respect. And I’m someone that’s new into this space, into the Kiwis, to see players that I’ve sort of idolised and get to rub shoulders with and learn off, for them to respect what I’ve achieved. It is pretty special.”
Waaka is a legend of New Zealand rugby union, whose move to the NRLW has been breathtaking.
The Warriors gun has already has won gold medals in sevens at two Olympic Games, one Commonwealth Games and one World Cup, along with two World Cup titles in the 15-a-side game.
Her nine tries in four matches at this World Cup while playing centre has been a key in the Ferns’ progression to the final.
Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton was high in her praise of Waaka’s tournament.
“She is incredible and she has done the same thing for the Warriors and Broncos,” Upton said
“(Waaka) is an incredible athlete, and has got quick feet and is very agile so whenever she gets in any sort of space she is going to make good use of it. She has done this for a very long time in the sevens circuit and is the ultimate professional.”
The Wheelchair golden boot has been taken out by England’s Rob Hawkins ahead of Friday night’s final in Wollongong between England and France.
— with AAP
