07/11/2024
PNG Kumuls Duo Named in the International Rugby League Golden Boot Long List
The International Rugby League (IRL) recently announced the long list for the prestigious 2024 Golden Boot award, which includes two standout players from Papua New Guinea (PNG): Nene Macdonald and Lachlan Lam. Both players have been instrumental in the success of the PNG Kumuls during the 2024 Pacific Championships and now find themselves in contention for one of the highest honors in international rugby league.
The Golden Boot award, awarded annually to the best international player in the world, has yet to be won by a Pacific nation player. This year, however, sees a notable shift, as players from Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, and PNG are all represented on the long list. This speaks to the growing influence and talent of Pacific nations in the rugby league world. Macdonald and Lam, in particular, have showcased exceptional skill, leadership, and resilience, capturing the attention of the rugby league community and placing PNG firmly on the international stage.
Three Tongan forwards — Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo, and Haumole Olakau’atu — have also made the long list. These players have contributed significantly to Tonga’s qualification for the Pacific Cup final against Australia. The selection of Fonua-Blake, Taumalolo, and Olakau’atu is notable, as they could become the first Pacific Island players to win the award, emphasizing the rise of Pacific nations in rugby league.
The Golden Boot nominations also include players from Australia, New Zealand, England, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, with each nation having standout representatives. Australian players Isaah Yeo, Harry Grant, Tom Trbojevic, and Zac Lomax are among the top names, while England’s Herbie Farnworth and halves George Williams and Harry Smith represent European talent.
For PNG, the nomination of Nene Macdonald and Lachlan Lam on the long list is a historic moment. Both players have been pivotal in the Kumuls' campaigns, bringing their experience and skill to the field and inspiring fans across the nation. Macdonald, known for his strength and agility as a center, has delivered outstanding performances, while Lam has proven himself a reliable and strategic playmaker, helping to orchestrate key plays for the team.
These nominations are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that both Macdonald and Lam bring to the game. They symbolize the growing competitiveness of the PNG Kumuls on the international stage and inspire young athletes in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific to dream big.
The inclusion of Pacific players on the IRL Golden Boot long list reflects the expanding influence of Pacific nations in rugby league. With nominations from across the Pacific, the 2024 Golden Boot selection acknowledges the immense talent emerging from this region, which has historically faced challenges in gaining international recognition.
As the IRL 2024 Golden Boot award approaches, fans across the Pacific, including those in PNG, will be eagerly watching to see if one of their own takes home this coveted title. The recognition of players like Macdonald and Lam highlights the progress of Pacific rugby league and the potential for greater representation and success in the years to come.