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Kiwi Duo Ponga and Waaka Claim Golden Boot Awards After Stunning Seasons
Ponga needed just 150 minutes and Waaka’s nine World Cup tries helped them earn rugby league’s highest individual honours.
- On Thursday, New Zealand duo Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka received the International Rugby League Golden Boot awards at a Suncorp Stadium function, honoring the best international male and female players of 2026.
- Both players earned recognition following standout performances in debut tournaments for New Zealand, with Ponga delivering breathtaking fullback displays and Waaka scoring nine tries for the Ferns in four matches.
- Ponga required 11 screws in his arm after breaking his forearm during the World Cup opener, yet completed a 23-day recovery to star against Tonga and edge Reece Walsh for the award.
- "I definitely made the right choice," Ponga said after receiving the award, while Kiwi great Stacey Jones praised his "unbelievable" impact after returning from injury.
- The pair now prepares for Sunday's World Cup finals in Brisbane, where New Zealand will face Australia in both the men's and women's championship matches.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
The 150 minutes of football that earned Ponga world rugby league’s top award
New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga beat a host of stars, including Kangaroos rival Reece Walsh, to the prestigious Golden Boot award on Thursday evening.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Left
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Left
78% Left
L 78%
C 22%
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