Melbourne Storm captain Harry Grant has taken out the IRL Golden Boot Award for 2025 as international rugby league’s player of the year.
The 27-year-old Australian hooker was chosen for his performances in Australia’s 3-0 Ashes Series triumph against England last month, selected ahead of 2025 finalists Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine from New Zealand, Samoan prop Payne Haas and Kangaroos and Storm teammate Cameron Munster.
Grant is the first hooker to win the prestigious Golden Boot since another Melbourne Storm captain in 2017, Cameron Smith.
“Harry showcased his skill and leadership in the first Ashes Series for 22-years and played a key role in Australia’s win over their great rivals,” IRL Chair Troy Grant said on announcement of the award on Thursday.
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“None of that was a surprise to those of us who are fortunate to watch him play week-in and week-out for Melbourne Storm or for Queensland in State of Origin, but for Harry to perform at that level – and with the same consistency - on the international stage, confirms his standing as one of the game’s best players,” Grant added.
Jillaroos and Brisbane outside back Julia Robinson was the unanimous winner of the women’s IRL Golden Boot for 2025, chosen ahead of superstar Broncos teammate Tamika Upton.
“Julia confirmed her status as one of the truly great outside backs of the women’s game with standout performances against England in Las Vegas, Samoa at Suncorp Stadium and New Zealand at Eden Park and in the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium,” Troy Grant said.
Both Grant and Robinson will be presented with their IRL Golden Boot awards at a ceremony in Brisbane on Friday.