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New Zealand and Penrith Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris takes out Golden Boot
Penrith Panthers star James Fisher-Harris has added another trophy to an already brimming cabinet, being crowned international rugby league’s best player for 2023.Dean Ritchie
@BulldogRitchie
less than 2 min read
December 6, 2023 - 10:30AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...2eceb612b991acbdcfce7afb7ec18?amp#share-tools
Penrith enforcer James Fisher-Harris laid down the challenge to Payne Haas at the grand final fan day.
New Zealand’s James Fisher-Harris has won the prestigious Golden Boot award.
Fisher-Harris, 27, received the gong from former Golden Boot winner Brad Fittler during an official announcement at NRL headquarters on Wednesday morning.
New Zealander Georgia Hale and France’s Jérémy Bourson created Golden Boot history after being chosen as the respective 2023 women’s and wheelchair winners.
In a hotly contested race, Fisher-Harris edged out shortlist candidates Payne Haas (Australia), Joseph Tapine (New Zealand) and Harry Smith (England).
Fisher-Harris played in all three of New Zealand’s Pacific Championships games, culminating in the Kiwis’ famous 30-0 win over Australia in the final.
The accolade caps a stunning year for Fisher-Harris, who was part of Penrith’s premiership-winning side.
A panel comprising Darren Lockyer, Adam Blair, James Graham, Adrian Morley and Ruben Wiki selected the winner.
James Fisher-Harris led the Kiwis to victory in the Pacific Championships. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The Golden Boot award is handed to the best international player of the year.
Haas was a strong candidate but missed Australia’s second Pacific Championships game in Melbourne, damaging his chances.
The shortlist of four was cut after 20 players were originally nominated.
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Previously, the Golden Boot was awarded to the best player in the game globally. In 2018, the rules were altered to add more weight to international football.
Before 2018, Golden Boot winners included Fittler, Brett Kenny, Wally Lewis, Peter Sterling, Garry Jack, Ellery Hanley, Mal Meninga, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Benji Marshall, Andy Farrell, Cam Smith and Johnathan Thurston.
Hale is the first forward to win the women’s award while Bourson – France’s first Golden Boot recipient in any discipline of the game – are based in the Northern Hemisphere and were unable to attend.