Kangaroos star ends Aussie Golden Boot drought

Isaah Yeo is the first Australian man to win the Golden Boot since 2017, with the Kangaroos skipper capping an incredible year that saw him win another premiership with Penrith, an Origin series with the Blues and the Pacific Championships title.

The 30-year-old replaced James Tedesco as captain and steered Australia to victory against Tonga in the final, 12 months after they were embarrassed by New Zealand in the decider.

That result last year helped James Fisher-Harris win the Golden Boot award, with Yeo making it back-to-back top honours for Panthers players.

Yeo finished ahead of Australian teammate Tom Trbojevic and English centre Herbie Farnworth to become the first Kangaroos player since Cameron Smith seven years ago to win the award.

“On behalf of the IRL Board, I wish to congratulate Isaah Yeo for his wonderful season at NRL, Origin and international level, culminating with the 2024 IRL Golden Boot,” International Rugby League chair Troy Grant said.

“It underscores the current strength of international rugby league that no Australian had won the award since 2017 and the judges again faced a difficult decision as there were so many strong contenders.

“Isaah’s performances and leadership for the Kangaroos gave him the edge and his name will now be added to the list of greats who have won the Golden Boot in the 40 years since it was first awarded to Wally Lewis.

“International Rugby League is privileged to have Golden Boot judges with the standing and experience of Darren Lockyer, James Graham and Petero Civoniceva, and I wish to thank them for their continued support of the international game.”

The Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in international matches, with Yeo outstanding in all three wins over Tonga and New Zealand where Australia’s defence was almost impossible to breach.

The lock forward will be presented the award in Sydney on Friday along with Jillaroos star Tarryn Aiken who won the women’s Golden Boot.

“Isaah had a tremendous year all round, winning Origin, with his club and obviously with the Australian team, and I believe he thoroughly deserves to win the Golden Boot this year,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said.

“He is a very impressive person, a great leader and a great communicator, as well as a really skilful footballer.

“He has got a really good skill set and one of the elements you want in a player at that level is decision making and he understands the game, the role he needs to play and his responsibility.

“He leads by example, and he is the type of leader you want in any team - at state, club or international level - so he would usually be one of the first players picked.”