Golden Boot Award nominations have equal number of English and Australian players
James Graham, Ryan Hall and Sam Tomkins are three English Rugby League players who have been nominated for the 2011 Rugby League World Golden Boot Award alongside three Australians; Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston. The nominations for
the prestigious award, founded in 1985, were confirmed on Sunday, November 13.
The Golden Boot Award is a rugby league award which is handed out towards the end of each year by Rugby League World magazine for player's distinguished contributions. The honour is given out usually in December, when all matches of the year have been played,
to the player who is recognised as the best player in the league. The process of sifting out the best rugby league player is achieved through polling done by former players and international rugby league journalists.
The board featuring former Golden Boot winners Ellery Hanley, Garry Schofield, Wally Lewis and Brett Kenny will choose the recepient of the award. Fans can also cast votes for their favourite players. The finalised result will be announced on December 2.
Last year, Benji Marshall of New Zealand was the winner of the honour but this year the Kiwis performance was not up to the required mark and was translated into the 2011’s nominations for the award. So far, England and Australia are drawing nominations
equal in strength and there is no representation from the Kiwis’ quarters. However, their is speculation that there may be a “wild card entry” after the final of Four Nations campaign, which may as well lead to an addition from Kiwis.
Australians have been series’ favourites for their commendable on-field performance until now, which may lead to another Roos addition to the nominations. Nothing can be ascertained at this point, because the final is yet to be played over the coming weekend,
in Leeds, between Australia and England.
Australia dominated the awards since 2005, which includes; Anthony Minichiello, Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, who have been acknowledged for their on-field brilliance and for bringing in honour to Australia for several years.
In 2004, Andy Farrell from England won the award.
With the given set of nominations, stakes for English side winning the honour this year after so many years are high because of high profile derby gems like James Graham, Ryan Hall and Sam Tomkins.
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