Fisher-Harris first prop to win Golden Boot since award was created

James Fisher-Harris has become the first prop to win one of rugby league’s most prestigious gongs, the Golden Boot, since the men’s award was first founded in 1984.

Fisher-Harris, 27, beat a star-studded shortlist to the golden gong. His closest rivals in the race were Payne Haas and Joseph Tapine, both of whom were notably NRL forwards too, and Harry Smith from England.

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The eventual winner stood out above the other contenders because of his shining achievements in the national competition as well as rugby league’s international arena. In clubland, Fisher-Harris played a huge role in the Panthers’ threepeat, while postseason he led New Zealand to a stunning 30-0 upset over Australia in the Pacific Championships.

He played all three games for the Kiwis as they claimed the international trophy, an inspiring effort that came after 23 appearances for Penrith as they battled to the grand final and a 26-24 victory over the Broncos.

Michael Maguire, who coached Fisher-Harris during the Pacific Championships victory (and for some 12 Test caps before that) declared he “couldn’t think of a better bloke to take out such a prestigious award. It’s thoroughly deserved.”

Past men’s Golden Boot winners include:

• 1984 – Wally Lewis (Australia)
• 1985 – Brett Kenny (Australia)
• 1986 – Garry Jack (Australia)
• 1987 – Hugh McGahan (New Zealand) and Peter Sterling (Australia)
• 1988 – Ellery Hanley (England)
• 1989 – Mal Meninga (Australia)
• 1990 – Garry Schofield (England)
• 1992 – Garry Schofield (England)
• 1991-98 – No award given
• 1999 – Andrew Johns (Australia)
• 2000 – Brad Fittler (Australia)
• 2001 – Andrew Johns (Australia)
• 2002 – Stacey Jones (New Zealand)
• 2003 – Darren Lockyer (Australia)
• 2004 – Andrew Farrell (England)
• 2005 – Anthony Minichiello (Australia)
• 2006 – Darren Lockyer (Australia)
• 2007 – Cameron Smith (Australia)
• 2008 – Billy Slater (Australia)
• 2009 – Greg Inglis (Australia)
• 2010 – Benji Marshall (New Zealand)
• 2011 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
• 2012 – Kevin Sinfield (England)
• 2013 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
• 2014 – Shaun Johnson (New Zealand)
• 2015 – Johnathan Thurston (Australia)
• 2016 – Cooper Cronk (Australia)
• 2017 – Cameron Smith (Australia)
• 2018 – Tommy Makinson (England)
• 2019 – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)
• 2020 – No award given
• 2021 – No award given
• 2022 – Joey Manu (New Zealand)
• 2023 – James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand)

The New Zealand captain was given the Golden Boot award at NRL headquarters on Wednesday.